Callum McVeigh: Funeral details for much-loved and popular young footballer who died in forklift tragedy on Christmas Eve
The funeral of a talented and widely known young footballer and band member who died on Christmas Eve is to take place on Monday.
Callum McVeigh, who was 23, died following an incident involving a forklift.
Since the tragedy, football clubs across Northern Ireland have been among the many paying tribute to the popular and highly respected young man who was both a keen player and fan..
Tributes were paid at matches over the Christmas holiday period as a mark of respect.
Mr McVeigh played for Killyleagh YC Football Club, which said he “will always be remembered as part of our club and will forever remain in our thoughts”.
"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,” a Killyleagh spokesperson said.
"Callum’s final appearance for the club came on December 13, 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.”
Saturday’s game between Mr McVeigh’s past team Knockbreda Football Club and Portstewart FC was postponed as a mark of respect.
“Callum departed for Killyleagh just a few weeks ago,” a spokesperson for Knockbreda FC said.
"Callum signed for Knockbreda in 2023 following successful times at youth level with Linfield, Portadown and Ards which included super cup representation and a Steel & Sons winners medal. Callum went on to make 76 appearances for Knockbreda a versatile player with quality and technical ability.”
Chairman Dave Cain described him as “a much loved and popular player at Knockbreda with his fellow players, supporters and all associated with the club.”
Club captain Peter McDermott added on behalf of the players: “We have been devastated since hearing the news. He was a huge part of our changing room and lives over the last few years. He was an excellent footballer and more importantly an even better friend.”
Saintfield-based McVeigh Contracts Ltd shared news of Mr McVeigh’s death.
"It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the untimely passing of one of our own, Callum McVeigh.
"Callum’s loss has come as a profound shock to everyone at McVeigh Contracts. He was not only a director of the company, but a respected leader, a trusted colleague, and a true friend to many. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment to both the business and the people around him were unwavering.
"Beyond his professional role, Callum will be fondly remembered for the small moments that brought people together — especially his enjoyment of a daily football debate. Those conversations, full of passion and good humour, were a regular part of our days and are memories that will stay with us always.
"Callum leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten, and his presence will be deeply missed.”
Mr McVeigh was also well known in band circles.
Inch Flute Band spoke of members “heavy hearts” on hearing the news of the death of their “deeply treasured band member and friend”.
"Callum was more than a bandmate, he was a true friend to many, and his presence, commitment and character meant so much to us all. His loss is one that will be felt deeply throughout the band and far beyond,” a spokesperson said.
He was also a member of the Apprentice Boys of Derry.
A spokesperson for Saintfield Branch, Mitchelburne Club, Apprentice Boys of Derry said they were deeply saddened to hear of Mr McVeigh’s sudden death.
"His loss has come as a profound shock to us all, though none will feel it more deeply than his family. The officers and members of Saintfield Branch extend their heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers to his father Marcus, mother Lisa, and brother Ethan at this difficult time.
"Callum was a respected member of Drumreagh Apprentice Boys of Derry, and we also offer our sincere condolences to his brethren on the passing of young Bro. McVeigh.”
Mr McVeigh is remembered in a family notice as “dearly beloved son of Marcus and Lisa, much loved brother of Ethan, loving grandson of Raymond and Laura (McVeigh) and Maureen and John (Wilson).”
His funeral service will be held in Raffrey Presbyterian Church on Monday, December 29 at 2.00pm, with interment afterwards in the adjoining churchyard.
Mr McVeigh’s family has requested no flowers please but donations may be made in lieu, if desired, to Raffrey Presbyterian Church Boys Brigade Uganda Fund c/o Charles Rourke and Sons, Funeral Directors, 51 Church Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6EH.
The family notice continues: “Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family and friends.
"’For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive’ 1 Corinthians 15:22 KJV”.
Police confirmed Mr McVeigh died following a single vehicle road traffic collision on a laneway off the Holywood Road in the Craigantlet area of Newtownards.
Chief Inspector Simpson of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Shortly before 1pm, we received and responded to a report of a collision involving a forklift.
"Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also attended, however, a man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
"Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 685 24/12/25.”