Irish football was stunned Sunday by the death of 27-year-old Derry City captain Ryan McBride, hours after he captained Northern Irish side Derry City to a 4-0 win over rivals Drogheda United.
McBride was a former non-league player whose family lived next to Derry City’s ground, and scored twice in his last four matches to give him 10 in 136 appearances.
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The cause of his death is unknown. Reports say he was feeling unwell after the match. It comes one year after Derry’s all-time leading scorer Mark Farren succumbed to a brain tumor.
Ex-manager Stephen Kenny described McBride as a “ferociously brave player”, and the Republic of Ireland’s president is among many big names to lament his death on social media.
But before that, let’s reflect on the time he upended two players with one slide tackle:
Ryan McBride RIP.
— Pat McEvoy (@pmcevoy79) March 20, 2017
https://t.co/64kTs4pd1S
"Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride."
— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 20, 2017
Ryan McBride on what it meant to captain Derry City. RIP (via @derryjournal ) pic.twitter.com/2XpDAoItqy
— Paul Moore (@ElChiefMoore) March 19, 2017
Terrible sad news to hear the passing @derrycityfc captain Ryan McBride, Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends #RIPRYANMCBRIDE 🙏
— Shay Given (@No1shaygiven) March 20, 2017
The thoughts & prayers of everyone at Celtic are with the family & friends of @derrycityfc captain, Ryan McBride, following his sad passing.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 20, 2017
The thoughts of West Ham United are with the family, friends and teammates of @derrycityfc captain Ryan McBride at this sad time#RIP pic.twitter.com/95I1kEqd7B
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 20, 2017
The flags at FAI Headquarters flying at half mast as a mark of respect to Ryan McBride. pic.twitter.com/z80W9TC2Ax
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) March 20, 2017
Nearly 14 years doing my professional job, so little shakes me having seen what i have, but tonight I am genuinely shook #RiPRyanMcBride
— Mick Ring (@MickRing83) March 19, 2017
Our deepest sympathies to all @derrycityfc on the sudden passing of Ryan McBride. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP
— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) March 19, 2017