Minute of silence for ‘talented’ football player, 13, after shock death on pitch

TRIBUTES to Zara Murphy poured in today as the “talented” young football player was honoured with a minute of silence last night.

The 13-year-old Louth girl was in the middle of a match for the Termonfeckin Celtic team in a schoolgirl’s league match when she collapsed on the pitch.

Zara is the beloved daughter of ­well-known local referee Brian — who is an active member of Termonfeckin FC — and his wife Angela and the loving sister of Ben.

A notice online reads: “Zara will be very sadly missed by her heartbroken parents, brother, nana Jacinta, granda Joe, aunts Pauline, Brenda and Sinead, uncles Alan, Micheal and Kevin, cousins Claire, Saul, Matthew, Jack, Ana, Caimin, Lucy, Beth, Caitlyn, Jimmy and Marty, her large circle of school friends and team-mates in Soccer, Gaelic and Gymnastics.”

Devastated family members confirmed Zara’s body will repose at her home tomorrow night and on Monday evening from 4pm until 8pm.

Her funeral is to be held on Tuesday at 11.30am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Drogheda, after a walking procession starting at 10.30am.

The burial will take place afterwards in Newtown Cross Lawns Cemetery, Termonfeckin Road.

Zara was honoured with a minute of silence on Friday night by the League of Ireland in their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park in Dundalk, Co Louth.

Termonfeckin Celtic FC’s Dave Looney told how “the club as a whole are in shock”. 

He added: “Zara was an ­integral part of the girls team, which has been developing into a really positive section of the club, something the club are trying to promote.”

Devastated locals have told how Zara was “bright and kind”, while the FAI remembered her as “wonderfully talented”.

Brona Mackin, Children’s Officer with the Louth Schoolgirl’s League, said: “Zara was a wonderfully committed footballer who loved the game.

“As her league, we can only offer all our support to Zara’s family.”

Her school, St Oliver’s Primary school, said: “Deepest and heartfelt condolences from everyone at St Oliver’s NS on the passing of our dearest pupil Zara Murphy.

“Zara was a wonderful, bright, shining, kind, placid and beautiful child who lit up our hearts and lives.

“She delighted us all with her gentle, thoughtful nature and wonderful football skills.

“Her unassuming nature, her care for others and gorgeous soul will stay with us forever.

“For her short time in this world, she had a big and lasting impact. May beautiful Zara Rest In Peace.

“Thinking of all her wonderful family at this time. Especially Ben, a past pupil of ours, and her Mam Angela and Dad Brian.

Gardai were notified of her death however it is been treated as a medical incident.