THE FUNERAL took place on Saturday of Kieran McKay, Drumany, Letterkenny, a lifelong and beloved supporter of Bonagee United FC.
Saturday’s funeral Mass in the Church of the Irish Martyrs was celebrated by Fr Ciaran Harkin, who offered condolences to the family on behalf of himself, friend of the family Fr Paul McGeehan, and the congregation.
Fr Harkin reflected that in an age when many people are in their own bubbles — scrolling phones and browsing social media — Kieran stood apart. He did not browse social media or text. He phoned people, spoke to them, and was a deeply sociable person.
“Kieran’s life served as a reminder of what is really important and who is really important,” Fr Harkin said, adding that many people had love, respect, affection and gratitude for Kieran — and he for them.
A fitting tribute to Kieran’s life and times was delivered by his brother Damien McKay.
Born in March 1979, a native of Drumany, Letterkenny, Kieran attended Little Angels school and Lurgybrack school in his early years. He took part in activities in the Special Olympics and had worked for over 20 years in Dunnes Stores.
Damien recalled that Kieran was just three or four years old when he fell in love with Bonagee United, and remained fully integrated with players and committee members for around 44 years. Those who attended the wake had simply referred to Bonagee United as “his club.”
Among the cherished memories shared was that Kieran gave the pre-match speeches at the club, often urging players: “Go out and win for Daddy.”
Even in the final days of his life, Kieran’s focus remained on football — on Bonagee’s match in the FAI Junior Cup against Clonmel Celtic, and on Manchester United v Liverpool last Sunday. “Football was a central part of Kieran’s life and one of the last thoughts that he had,” Damien said.
Damien said he struggled to find the words to sum up his brother, but settled on these: Kieran loved unconditionally, placed community at the heart of his life, and embraced a simple lifestyle centred on family values, fun and socialising.
He also paid tribute to Kieran’s devotion to his mother. Following the death of their father Hughie 18 years ago, Kieran had become the man of the house, diligently and caringly looking after his mother Kathleen for the rest of his life.
Summing up, Damien said: “We learnt how we should live our lives from Kieran, and we know that Dad and his older brother, baby Andrew, are waiting on him in heaven.”
One person who attended the wake captured the mood of all who knew him, telling the family: “At least I got an opportunity to kiss an angel.”
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 is predeceased by his father, Hughie and infant brother Andrew.