Bonagee United pay tribute to the late Liam 'Gutcha' Haughey

Bonagee United Football Club has paid a touching tribute to the late Liam 'Gutcha' Haughey, who they say 'ticked all the boxes at the club'.

Late of Mount Pleasant, Mountain Top, Letterkenny, Liam passed away on Wednesday.

Over several decades, Liam, who worked as a chef with the HSE, filled a vast array of roles at Bonagee United, who have ceased all club activities as a mark of respect.

“Bonagee United was plunged into a sense of both shock and sadness following the tragic death of Liam Haughey on Wednesday,” Bonagee United said in a statement.

“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.”

Bonagee United also paid tribute to Kieran McGrath, the PRO of neighbouring Letterkenny Rovers and a well-known local soccer administrator, who also died tragically on Wednesday.

The club said: “The loss of two football men in such close proximity has brought a dark cloud over the local football fraternity.”

Predeceased by his infant sons Dean and Jason and parents Peter and Katie, Liam will be deeply missed by his loving son Lee and daughter Bronaígh, grandson Brooks, sisters Sr. Veronica, Nellie, Noeleen and Cass, brothers Robert, Hughie, Packie, Peter, Jimmy, Jonnie, Paul and Kevin, aunts, nieces, nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours.

Funeral from his residence on Saturday at 10.15am going to the Church of the Irish Martyrs, Letterkenny for 11am Requiem Mass which can be viewed on https://www.youtube.com/@churchoftheirishmartyrs4657.

Interment afterwards to New Leck Cemetery, Letterkenny. Family flowers only please.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to Sheephaven Search and Recovery Unit and Donegal Mountain Rescue Team c/o any family member. Family time from 10pm until 12 noon and on the morning of the funeral please. Rosary both evenings at 9pm.