The death of Kieran McKay, Drumany, Letterkenny, has prompted deep sadness in the town, and among the sporting community where Kieran was very well known for his love of football, and his close association with Bonagee United.
His home club has offered a beautiful tribute to a young man who they say was a devoted and lifelong Bonagee United supporter.
Kieran, who worked in the new Dunnes Stores in Letterkenny, was hugely popular among his fellow staff members and customers.
He was happiest on the sidelines at matches involving Bonagee United, where he enjoyed the company of the players, club members and supporters – and those from the opposition team too.
All Bonagee United matches have been cancelled over the coming days as a mark of respect.
Tribute
The club has issued the following tribute:
Bonagee United is deeply saddened by the death of Kieran McKay.
A familiar and popular figure around Bonagee United since his young years, Kieran’s passing leaves a huge void at Dry Arch Park.
Kieran was a devoted and lifelong Bonagee United supporter, first taken to games by his late father and club stalwart, Hughie McKay.
Kieran was an ever-present, with his infectious smile, in Bonagee United team photos from big match days over the years.
Kieran also lined out in the Bonagee colours at charity matches – and was on the scoresheet last year in a reunion game for the 1995 Downtown Cup winning squad.
“Everyone at Bonagee United is devastated by the loss of our friend and treasured club member Kieran McKay,” Bonagee United Chairman Niall Callaghan said.
“Kieran will have been known to anyone who regularly came to Bonagee games as our number 1 supporter.
“We will certainly miss Kieran’s presence around the club and our membership is distraught at the news.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to Kieran’s bereaved family at this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
Kieran will also have been known for his work in Dunnes Stores and before that in the Orchard Inn.
All activities at Bonagee United have been suspended as a mark of respect.
Deeply missed
Kieran is deeply missed by his loving mother Kathleen, brothers Paul (Jenny) and Damien, sisters Marie (Pete), Linda (Liam) and Catriona (Jason), nieces and nephews Conor, Ciara, Claire, Sophie, Charlotte, Emma, Laura, Ronan, Aoife, Lara, Mark, Katelyn, Sean, Ava and Aaron, Elaine, uncles and aunts, cousins and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.
Kieran’s remains will be reposing at his late residence at Drumany, Letterkenny on Thursday and Frida from 12 noon until Rosary both nights at 9pm. Family time after the Rosary and on the morning of the funeral please.
Funeral from there on Saturday at 2.15pm going to the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny for 3pm Requiem Mass.