Co Louth tragedy as young teen player dies after collapsing during football match

Zara Murphy has been remembered as "a wonderfully committed footballer" following her tragic death in Co Louth last night, Thursday, July 11.

Murphy, 13, died after she collapsed she played for Termonfeckin Celtic FC against her former club Glen Magic FC last night, the Louth School Girls League and the Football Association of Ireland said in a statement on Friday.

A notice on RIP.ie says that the teen was the "beloved daughter" of Angela and Brian, and the "loving sister" of Ben.

She will be "very sadly missed" by her immediate and wider family, as well as her large circle of school friends and teammates in soccer, Gaelic, and gymnastics.

A funeral for Murphy will be held on Tuesday, July 16. The funeral cortege will leave the Murphy family home at 10:30 am, proceeding on foot via The Glen (football pitch, Yellowbatter) and arriving at Our Lady of Lourdes Church for a funeral mass at 11:30, which will be live-streamed on St. Peter's Drogheda's website.

In their statement on Friday, the Louth School Girls League and the Football Association of Ireland said they were "deeply saddened" to learn of Murphy's tragic passing.

"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.

The Louth School Girls League directed people to Ireland's Health Service Executive's information on bereavement supports and services.

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, who the two organizations described as "a dedicated sports star across many disciplines."

A minute's silence in honor of Murphy's memory will take place before Friday night's SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division fixture between Dundalk and Drogheda United at Oriel Park.

2

Zara Murphy with her Glen Magic teammates after winning the LSGL U13s Shield Final in November 2023.

"The first thoughts of all coming to terms with this tragedy are with Brian, Angela and Ben," said Bróna Mackin, Children's Officer with the Louth School Girls League.

"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."

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott added: "We are so shocked to learn of the news of Zara's tragic passing.

"Our local Development Officer Mick Neville and our support staff have been liaising with the clubs and the Louth School Girls League and we will make every assistance available to all affected as they come to terms with this shocking news.

"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."

The FAI and Louth School Girls League have respectfully asked that the media afford Murphy’s family privacy.