‘We’re all heartbroken for them’ – FAI pays tribute to teenager Zara Murphy who died during football game

It is understood the young player took ill during a Louth School Girls League (LSGL) game at a soccer grounds in Termonfeckin yesterday evening as she played for Termonfeckin Celtic FC against her former club Glen Magic FC.

She was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in nearby Drogheda, but sadly passed away.

“The thoughts and prayers of all involved with Irish football are with Zara’s parents Brian and Angela, her brother Ben, extended family, her many friends and all now grieving her loss in the local community,” the FAI said in a statement this afternoon.

The Louth Schools Girls League have called off all football activities until further notice following the tragic event, offering their thoughts and prayers at this time.

“A minute’s silence in honour of Zara’s memory will take place before tonight’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park,” the statement added.

The North Eastern Football League (NEFL) committee has circulated a message to clubs informing them that it has called off all NEFL matches scheduled for this weekend, including all ladies’ fixtures, as a mark of respect due to the untimely passing of the teen sports player.

“The first thoughts of all coming to terms with this tragedy are with Brian, Angela and Ben,” said Bróna Mackin, Children’s Officer with the Louth School Girls League.

“Nobody can comprehend what the family are going through now and we are all heartbroken for them.

“Zara was a wonderfully committed footballer who loved the game. She had previously played for Glen Magic until her recent transfer to Termonfeckin Celtic and thus many of her fellow players will be so touched by this devastating news.

“As her League, we can only offer all our support to Zara’s family, to both clubs and to all affected by this shocking loss of one so young.”

Speaking on behalf of the FAI, President Paul Cooke said: “The news that came our way on Thursday evening was so shocking. To learn of the passing of a talented footballer at such a young age is particularly devastating.

“On behalf of everyone connected to Irish football in any way, can I offer our sympathies to Brian, Angela, Ben and their extended families and to all who knew Zara, particularly within Termonfeckin Celtic FC and Glen Magic FC. May she rest in peace.”

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott added: “We are so shocked to learn of the news of Zara’s tragic passing. Our local Development Officer Mick Neville and our support staff have been liaising with the clubs and the Louth School Girls League and we will make every assistance available to all affected as they come to terms with this shocking news.

“We also extend our sympathies to our referees in Louth as Zara’s Dad Brian is the Chair of the Louth Branch of the Irish Referee’s Society and all his refereeing colleagues will share our sense of loss today.”

The young player was said to be heavily involved in sport, playing both soccer and GAA.

An Garda Siochana confirmed they were notified of an incident where a female aged in her teens took ill in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth yesterday evening.

It said she was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth, where she subsequently passed away.