Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Forever in our hearts
Family’s tribute to“special boy” Kieran
The heartbroken family of tragic Airdrie footballer Kieran McDade yesterday paid tribute to their wonderful boy.
The 13-year-old died on Friday morning at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow after collapsing at the start of a training session with Coatbridge’s Dunbeth FC on August 18.
Tributes have been paid to the St Margaret’s High School pupil with the footballing community coming together at the weekend to remember one of their own.
In a statement released to the Advertiser, parents Bernie and Gemma, and sister Amy, told how he was loved by all who knew him.
“We all love him much more than words can say and anything we do will always include him as he will be in our hearts every waking hour,” they said.
“We always knew Kieran was special but — with all the tributes he has had — now the whole world knows how special and what a wonderful boy he was. We will never forget our Peter Pan.”
Kieran McDade’s grieving family yesterday thanked everyone for their messages of support as they paid tribute to their precious boy.
The 13-year-old from Petersburn died at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow on Friday morning after taking ill during a training session with Coatbridge’s Dunbeth FC on August 18.
His death has sparked a huge outpouring of grief.
Kieran’s parents Bernie and Gemma and sister Amy spoke in glowing terms about the talented, loving teenager they knew and thanked those who have rallied round and offered condolences.
They also expressed their gratitude to Celtic, who invited the family and Kieran’s team- mates to Saturday’s game against Aberdeen.
Star striker Leigh Griffiths displayed a T-shirt tribute when he netted the opening goal.
In a statement to the Advertiser, the family said: “Kieran was the best son and brother that we could ever have hoped for and our hearts are broken without him here. Mum, Dad, Amy and his dog Poppy love and will miss him forever.
“We will carry on as a strong family unit for him because we know that would have been his wish. For us, Kieran was just an innocent child who would love everyone everyonewhohecamewho he came in contact with.
“Kieran touched so many people throughout his life and on Saturday he became the star of the show when Leigh scored in the 13th minute.
“We have no doubt that he had a huge part to play in this and we take comfort that he is up there looking down on us.
“We wish to pay tribute to Celtic FC, Celtic fans and especially Leigh for the part they played in the day and this will be remembered forever more. We will love our boy as much in death as we did in life and if our love alone could have saved him he would never have died.
“It was the ultimate privilege to have him as a son and a brother and we could not have wished for a better son.”
Thousands of tributes have been posted online with the football community coming together to remember Kieran.
A shrine with flags, scarves, flowers and messages to the St Margaret’s High pupil has been created outside Dunbeth Park.
“The whole family wish to thank everyone who has laid flowers and sent them to our home,” the statement continued.
“The condolences sent to our home, by phone or on social media have been a real comfort for us.
“We will never, ever, have the opportunity to thank you all but please believe that you will be in our hearts and minds at all times.”
The family also paid tribute to Dunbeth FC for whom Kieran wore the No 8 jersey with pride.
“Our boy loved the club and loved playing for his 2003s team,” they said.
“He adored all the players and listened to each and every word his coaches Chris, Craig, Eddie, Harry and Martin said to him.
“He treasured every moment he played there and we know that they did everything for him and that he would be proud of each and every one of them.
“And we, as a family, could not have got through this without all of their love and support.
“We would also like to thank club secretary Martin Holmes who has been there for us as a family, and Kieran as a player of his club. His support has been what we needed.”
Martin paid his own tribute to Kieran – and said that he had the talent to reach the top.
He said: “Kieran was very popular with all of the boys.
“He was such a loving lad, and witty. He was a fantastic football player and he could have gone a long way in the game given the dedication that he had.”
Stephen Snee, head teacher at St Margaret’s where Kieran captained the school’s under-13 team, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Kieran, his family and friends at this time.”
A JustGiving page set up to help the McDade family had raised more than £16,000 by yesterday afternoon.
Kieran’s funeral will take place at 11am on Friday at St Edward’s Church in Airdrie.