'Devastated' team mates pay tribute to footballer, 23, after he died in Christmas Eve accident
Callum McVeigh, 23, from County Down, lost his life after a collision with a forklift at around 1pm on Wednesday - and social media has been awash with messages of condolence.
Devastated team mates have paid tribute to a young footballer who died in a road accident on Christmas Eve.
Callum McVeigh, 23, from County Down, lost his life after a collision with a forklift at around 1pm on Wednesday - and social media has been awash with messages of condolence.
The fatal accident happened off the Holywood Raod in Newtownards, and McVeigh was pronounced dead at the scene.
McVeigh was a talented footballer best known for winning the Steel and Sons Cup on Christmas Day in 2019 with south Belfast side Linfield Swifts.
McVeigh then joined Portadown in 2020, but injury struggles meant he only played three games.
That club held a minute's silence before kick off in their Boxing Day derby match against Glenavon to honour his memory.
He went on to sign for Ards in July 2022, for whom he appeared seven times, before joining Knockbreda in January 2023.
Just last month, the player from Downpatrick joined Killyleagh FC - and he took to the pitch for the final time on December 13.
Callum McVeigh, 23, from County Down, lost his life after a collision with a forklift at around 1pm on Wednesday
He last played for club Killyleagh FC on December 13
The club led the tributes with a touching statement on social media.
It read: 'It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the tragic passing of our player, Callum McVeigh, who died on Christmas Eve at the age of 23.
'Although his time with us was far too short, he made a meaningful and lasting impression.
'He settled in immediately, showed great commitment, starting at left back and earned the respect and friendship of teammates, management, and committee alike.
'Callum's final appearance for the club came on 13th December, when he represented us in the Clarence Cup fixture against Clonduff with a 13-1 victory — a moment we will now remember with great pride and sadness.
'We will long remember the fun and enjoyment of that evening as he joined us later that night for the players Christmas party at The Dufferin.
'On behalf of the entire committee, management, and playing staff, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the father Marcus, Mother Lisa and Brother Ethan, Callum's friends, and all who are grieving this unimaginable loss.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this extremely difficult time.
'We would also like to sincerely thank the wider football community for the overwhelming messages of support, sympathy, and kindness received during this difficult time.
'They have been greatly appreciated by everyone at the club.