Funeral details released for footballer and bandsman Callum McVeigh, killed aged 23 in Christmas road tragedy
Funeral details have been released for popular footballer and bandsman Callum McVeigh, who was one of three people killed in separate road tragedies over the Christmas period.
Callum died on Christmas Eve aged just 23, sending shockwaves through both the soccer and flute band scenes in Northern Ireland.
Tributes poured in from his current club Killyleagh FC, with whom he played the last match of his young life just this month, as well as former sides Linfield Swifts, Portadown and Ards.
He was also a member of the Orange Order, Apprentice Boys, and Royal Black Institution – as well as Inch Flute Band, who hymned Callum as “more than a bandmate, he was a true friend to many, and his presence, commitment, and character meant so much to us all”.
From Crossgar in Co Down, he died in a one-vehicle collision on a laneway in the Craigantlet hills between Newtownards and Belfast on Wednesday afternoon.
His funeral takes place at 2pm today in Raffrey Presbyterian Church, in a rural part of the Ards area close to Killinchy.
Death notices describe Callum as the “dearly beloved son of Marcus and Lisa, much loved brother of Ethan, loving grandson of Raymond and Laura (McVeigh) and Maureen and John (Wilson)”.
The family have asked for donations to Raffrey Presbyterian Church Boys Brigade Uganda Fund in lieu of flowers.
The death notice adds: “Very deeply regretted and will be lovingly remembered by his sorrowing family and friends.”
The PSNI are still investigating the fatal collision, which was said to have involved a forklift.
Callum was a director of traffic management firm McVeigh Contracts, which in the wake of his death issued a statement describing him as “a respected leader, a trusted colleague, and a true friend to many”.
The firm said: “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.
“Our thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt condolences are with Callum’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
The 23-year-old’s death was one of three separate vehicle fatalities over Christmas, with two people losing their lives on Northern Ireland’s roads on Boxing Day.
Padraig McDonald, aged 20, was killed in a collision in Cookstown in the early hours of December 26. From Co Tyrone village Loughmacrory, his funeral mass takes place at 11am today.
A GAA player, death notices describe him as the “cherished son of Paddy and Kerry McDonald, dear brother of Pearse, Hanna, Shan and Daithi”.
The fatal incident saw two cars collide on Drum Road, then a few minutes later a third car hit one of the first two.
On Friday evening, two cars collided on Downpatrick’s Ardglass Road. The driver of one of them, 73-year-old Angela Feenan from the countryside outside Downpatrick, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her funeral details are to follow. The other driver was hospitalised.