Ryan Mcbride: Derry City Captain Dies Aged 27
The defender died a day after leading his side in a 4-0 victory over Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division, the top league in the Republic of Ireland.
The cause of his death is not yet known.
The Irish Football Association tweeted: “Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with Derry City FC.”
Derry City FC manager Kenny Shiels said: “It’s hard for everybody to take.
“This is going to be a difficult one for everyone in the city. The players loved Ryan.
“He was the perfect example to any young player coming through at 13 or 14.”
Derry City released an official statement on Monday afternoon saying the team will “miss his inspiration and his leadership”.
The statement went on to say: “In the hearts and minds of all of us, and long into the future, Ryan McBride will be remembered as one of the greats of Derry City Football Club.”
Phil O’Doherty, Derry City Football Club chairman, said the team is “devastated”.
“This news is so hard to take in,” he told the BBC.
“He started the season so well and scored a really important goal against Shamrock Rovers recently.
“The players and management staff are in shock and it’s an extremely tough time for everyone.”
Mr O’Doherty said McBride “was a leader on and off the field”.
“He was incredibly respected. He was an ideal captain,” he said.
“He was from the Brandywell area and he just walked across the road to his home after every game.”
The CEO of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), John Delaney, said Irish football was in mourning.
“I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to Ryan’s family, friends, and his club, Derry City FC, for which he was their leader, their captain and their inspiration,” he said.
“Ryan’s passing has left a deep shock throughout football. We will remember Ryan with a tribute at Friday night’s FIFA World Cup qualifier against Wales.”
As a mark of respect, the League of Ireland game between Derry City and Limerick, due to take place on Tuesday 21 March, will be rescheduled.
Ryan McBride’s death is the latest tragedy to beset the club following the death of striker Mark Farren and the Buncrana pier tragedy which claimed the lives of winger Josh Daniels’ family members a year ago.
‘A lot of tragedy’
Former Derry City striker Liam Coyle said: “My brother phoned me to tell me and I was in total disbelief.
“I played football with Ryan’s father and Ryan was always a rising star.
“The club has been through a lot of tragedy, but the people of Derry will provide a lot of support to his family and friends.
“Derry City has lost the best centre half in Ireland.”
DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted: “My deepest condolences to the family and all Derry City FC as they mourn the loss of the talented Ryan McBride. Such devastating news.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “Sad news from Derry. Praying for the family and for his many friends and supporters who will miss him. Lord have mercy. RIP.”
‘Big gentleman’
The President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, tweeted: “Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of Derry City Football Club captain Ryan McBride.”
Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean is a former team mate of McBride at Derry City.
He said on Instagram that he was “a warrior that literally would throw his body on the line when he pulled on that Derry City jersey, a club that meant so much to him.”
He said that McBride was a “big gentleman of the field”, adding: “Sleep tight big man. May God bless you and your family.”
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