LAST UPDATE | 12 Jul

THE LOUTH SCHOOL Girl’s League and the FAI have offered their support and sympathy to the family of a teenage girl who died while playing a football match on Thursday evening.

Zara Murphy was playing for Termonfeckin Celtic FC against her old club Glen Magic FC, when she took ill and was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, Co. Louth, where she later died.

All games scheduled for the weekend in the North Eastern Football League (NEFL) have been cancelled as a mark of respect.

A minutes silence will take place before tonight’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division fixture between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park.

Bróna Mackin, Children’s Officer with the Louth School Girls League, said that “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. 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.”

The NEFL offered its thoughts and prayers to the young girls’ friends and family.

Local football clubs have also been paying tribute and extending their sympathies.

One such club noted that the girl was “beloved” by her teammates, while another remarked that she had played in some “fantastic games”.

“She always had the biggest smile on the pitch and will be remembered by us all,” read another tribute. 

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.”

“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,” he said.