‘True Warrior' – Dublin community mourn death of young footballer who represented Transplant Ireland team
GONE TOO SOON 'True Warrior' – Dublin community mourn death of young footballer who represented Transplant Ireland team
TRIBUTES have flooded in after the death of a young footballer who lined out for the Transplant Ireland team.
Steven 'Miggy' Middleton was a native of Ringsend, Dublin and has been widely remembered after passing away on Wednesday.
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Steven Middleton has tragically passed away
Credit: rip,ie
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He was a father of two children
Credit: St Patrick's CYFC Facebook
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His rip.ie post reads: "August 13, 2025, surrounded by his family.
"Forever loved by his two girls Pearl and Lilly, his heartbroken parents Gaye and Dennis, sister Sinead, brother Craig, partner Chloe, Sinead's partner Paul, Craig's partner Teegan, his cherished nieces Lucy, Isla, Hannah and Fia, aunts, uncles, cousins, the extended family and a large circle of friends."
His funeral is to take place on Monday at St Patrick's Church in Ringsend. The mass will begin at 11am.
Steven's popularity is evident across the span of tributes that have been paid since his life was cruelly cut short.
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His club Montpelier FC led the way. Teammate Alan Lynch penned a tribute that was shared across their social channels.
It noted: "Today, on 13/08/2025, Montpelier FC lost a teammate and a friend.
"Our number 2, our right back, a dead ball specialist, a captain, and our only serving Irish international.
"Steven Middleton, aka 'Miggy' joined us in 2020, winning multiple honours for both Sunday and Saturday teams.
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"He was the life and soul of every dressing room. He was part of us all and earned the love and respect of all his teammates.
"A father to the loves of his life Pearl and Lilly, son to Gaye and Dennis, brother to Craig and Sinead, and partner to his beloved Chloe.
"Montpelier FC will never be the same. We will never forget him and will miss him dearly. RIP Miggy, a true Warrior."
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Another Leinster Senior League outfit he played for was St Patrick's CYFC who hailed his "valiant" effort in his health battle of recent months.
The club stated: "It's a sad day in Ringsend as we all mourn the loss of Steven Middleton, a lovely, unassuming lad who fought valiantly over the past few months.
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"All at St Patrick's CYFC would like to pass on our deepest, heartfelt condolences to Dennis, Gaye, Sinead and Craig, his partner Chloe and children Pearl and Lilly, all the extended family and friends, in particular his cousin Emma a member of our committee who has been by his bedside with all the family over the past few very difficult weeks.
"Steven loved his football, he played with CY for a couple of seasons and coached our U19s in 2020/21.
"We extend our condolences to fellow Leinster Senior League club Montpelier FC where he played his football in recent years."
FORMER CLUB'S MEMORIES
He's been fondly remembered by a second former club in Liffey Wanderers FC too.
They underlined: "Everyone involved with Liffey Wanderers are extremely saddened at the passing of ex-player Steven (Miggy) Middleton.
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"Our thoughts and prayers are with Miggy's friends and family at this sad time.
"Miggy was a splendid footballer with a wand of of a right foot and more importantly he was a great person whose life was taken at a very young age. R.I.P Miggy."
Local pub The Irishtown House also chimed in with a moving tribute of their own.
Their staff posted: "It's with a heavy heart we hear of the passing of Steven Middleton.
"We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Dennis, Gaye, Sinead and Craig. Also to all the extended family and friends. May he rest in peace."
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FOES YET FRIENDS
Steven lined out for the Ireland Transplant team and in a lovely touch, has been honoured by their Welsh counterparts.
In a strong show of solidarity, they added: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our transplant brother, Steven Middleton, from Transplant Football Ireland.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathy are with Steven's family and all our transplant brothers in Ireland at this incredibly difficult time.
"Steven will be remembered not only for his skill and determination but for the way he inspired others through his strength and character."
Welsh captain James Murphy recalled: "Steve was a great guy, a true gentleman and transplant warrior. He became a good friend to myself and all at Team Wales.
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"On the pitch he was as tough as they come. It was never easy playing against him.
"He was fit, strong, athletic, hard in the tackle and intelligent. He displayed what was physically possible after transplantation.
"We will hold onto the memories we shared both on and off the field. Our thoughts go out to Steve's family and our brothers at Transplant Football Ireland. RIP Miggy".
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