Donegal Town community ‘deeply saddened’ following double tragedy

Donegal Town and its wider community are coming to terms with a double tragedy this week.

On Monday evening, news came from Portugal that the body of Mark Kiely had been found following a two-day search. 

The following morning, it was learned that teenager Dylan Ward had died in Sligo University Hospital from injuries sustained in an incident in Inver on Monday evening.

“Our community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Mark and Dylan,”  the Honorary Mayor of Donegal Town, Anna Gallagher, said. “Rest in Peace. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and all those who are mourning at this very difficult time. 

“In these moments, the strength in our community lies in how we support and care for one another. When hearts are heavy and words are few, We lean on each other, with kindness so true.”

Mark Kiely had been missing since Saturday, the day of his 39th birthday, at 2am in the popular tourist destination of Albufeira.  Over the weekend, his family, along with Portuguese authorities in the Algarve, had launched an appeal via social media for any information regarding his disappearance.  

The search was stood down on Monday evening and the family, many of whom had travelled to the Algarve, released a statement confirming Mark’s body was located deceased.

"We have found Mark, but unfortunately not the outcome we had been hoping for,” they said. 

“Huge thanks to all our friends and family for their support and help in trying to find him. May Mark rest in peace.”

Pousadas Godinho, the captain of the port of Portimao, told the Portugal Resident that the state police force, Polícia Judiciária (PJ), were now looking into the death.

He said: “We can confirm the body belonged to an Irish male citizen. PJ police have taken over the investigation.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family. 

Those who knew Mark have described the news as “heartbreaking” referring to Mark as “such a gentleman” and “a lovely fella”.

Another wrote: “So sad, RIP Mark, you were very special to your friends.”

Donegal FC paid tribute to Mark, their former underage player, saying: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mark Kiely, who has sadly passed away. 

“Mark previously played underage at the club and we are all deeply saddened by his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Dylan, from Millrace Crescent in Donegal Town, was a student at Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town and the son of Fiona and Daniel, and brother of Leah.

The school opened on Tuesday afternoon and will again on Wednesday for any students or staff who wish to pay a visit.

They said: “Our entire school community is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our highly valued third-year students. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family at this time.”

Dylan attended primary school in Killymard, where Scoil an Linbh Íosa also opened for those who wished to avail of support from their staff.

 Tributes continued to flow, particularly from local sports clubs, who all held Dylan in high regard.

Four Masters GAA and LGFA Club, Donegal Town, posted: “It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the sad passing of our U-16 player, Dylan Ward. Dylan was a great teammate with a fantastic attitude towards training and games. He was an integral part of our All-Ireland Féile Shield-winning team at the end of June this year, and he will be sorely missed by his fellow players and coaches alike.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Ward and Murray families and all who mourn his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

“It is with the deepest sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our U16 player and dear friend, Dylan Ward,” posted, 

Donegal Town FC, with the Hospital Field-based club also offering a drop-in service on Wednesday evening for all the U-16 teams, their friends, families and wider community who may wish to gather for a chat and to support each other during this time.

“We extend our sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Dylan’s mum and dad, Fiona and Daniel, his sister Leah, and to all the Murray, Ward, and extended families. To Dylan’s many friends, and to his teammates at Donegal Town FC, we know his infectious energy and bright spirit, both on and off the football field, will be sorely missed. May Dylan Rest in Peace.”

Donegal Town RFC posted: “It is with deep sadness that the President, Committee, and Members of Donegal Town RFC have learned of the passing of our former youth player, Dylan Ward.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Dylan’s family, friends, and all who mourn his loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

Scoil Rince Tir Chonaill said the news is “heartbreaking.”

They posted: “Our dance community has been shaken by the heartbreaking news that has reached us all today. While our hearts are heavy, our deepest thoughts are with the Ward and Murray families, who are facing unimaginable pain. 

“We send them strength, love, and every ounce of support in the days ahead, and want them to know that we will be here for them in the weeks and months to come. May young Dylan rest in peace.”

An Garda Siochana were called to the scene on Monday evening and said on Tuesday morning: “A male youth (aged in his teens) sustained serious injuries. He was airlifted to Sligo University Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased on Tuesday, 19th August 2025.

“The scene is currently held for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing and no further information is available at this time.”

Dylan’s remains will be reposing in Tír Conaíll Funeral Home, Drumrooske, Donegal Town, F94 FX3A from 4pm until 9pm on Thursday. Funeral mass in St Mary’s church Killymard on Friday at 11am with burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only, donations if so desired to Barrettstown in memory of Dylan. House Private at All Times.