The community has been shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of two well-known local figures, Liam Haughey and Kieran McGrath.
Devastating news emerged last night of the deaths of the two Letterkenny men in separate incidents.
Liam Haughey of Listillion, and later Mountain Top, was a stalwart at Bonagee United filling many roles over the years including player and manager.
Separately, Kieran McGrath of Ard O’Donnell was PRO of Letterkenny Rovers and was the much-admired administrator in both the Donegal Underage League and the USL. He also ran the hugely popular Soccer Donegal page.
Letterkenny Rovers FC has ceased all activities as the club comes to terms with their loss.
A statement said: “The news of the tragic death of our dear friend and valued member Kieran McGrath has left everyone at the club shocked and saddened.
“Kieran was our PRO and an extremely hard working committee member who performed many additional key roles within the club. He was always on the go, resourceful, good humoured and helpful. He devoted much of his time to the promotion of underage football at both club and county level.
“He will be sorely missed by us all at Letterkenny Rovers.
“As a mark of respect all club activities are to cease at Leckview Park until further notice. There will be no bingo tonight in the Station House Hotel and Saturday’s U15 SFAI National Cup game away to Malahide United has also been postponed.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Kieran’s family. May he rest in peace.”
The death has taken place on Wednesday 1st March 2023 of Kieran McGrath, 122 Ard O’Donnell, Letterkenny
A tribute to Liam Haughey from Bonagee United honoured his dedication to the club:
“Bonagee United was plunged into a sense of both shock and sadness following the tragic death of Liam Haughey on Wednesday.
“During a time spanning several decades, Liam Haughey filled a variety of roles at Bonagee United. Player, manager, administrator: Liam ticked all the boxes at the club.
“For many years, Liam wrote the club notes and reports in his role as the PRO, filling newspaper inches that helped detail our proud history.
“Liam was manager of Bonagee United’s Donegal League team until 2015 when he stepped down having secured promotion to Division One and set the wheels in motion for continued advancement that has seen the club return to the Premier Division.
“In his youth, Liam captained the Lurgybrack Schoolboys to victory in the first ever Letterkenny & District Cup final in 1976.”
The death has taken place on Wednesday 1st March 2023 of Liam Gutcha Haughey, 13 Mount Pleasant, Mountain Top, Letterkenny and formerly from Listillion.
Bonagee United also joined the tributes to Kieran and said: “Kieran was well known to all at Bonagee United due to his various administrative roles in local football and our thoughts are with his bereaved family and club colleagues at our neighbours Letterkenny Rovers FC.
“The loss of two football men in such close proximity has brought a dark cloud over the local football fraternity.”
As a mark of respect, all club activities at Bonagee United FC have ceased until further notice.
Drumkeen Utd Fc. also sent condolences to the Haughey and McGrath families and their clubs at this sad time.
“As well as being great football men they were also two sound men and it was always a pleasure to meet them whenever and wherever it was,” said a spokesperson for Drumkeen Utd.
Funeral for Liam Gutcha Haughey will take place on Saturday 4th March at 11am at the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny.
Funeral Mass for Kieran McGrath will be held on Sunday 5th March at 12noon at St. Eunan’s Cathedral.
May they Rest In Peace.
