Teenage girl who died after collapsing during football match named

The teenage girl who died at a football game in Termonfeckin in Louth on Thursday evening has been named as Zara Murphy.

The young player collapsed during a Louth School Girls League (LSGC) game 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 passed away.

In a joint statement this afternoon, Louth School Girls League and FAI offered their support to family of Zara Murphy. “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 statement said.

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“All games in the Louth School Girls League and in the North Eastern Football League, including all women’s fixtures, have been called off this weekend as a mark of respect to Zara, a dedicated sports star across many disciplines. 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.”

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

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