A YOUNG girl who died suddenly at a football match yesterday evening will be laid to rest on Tuesday, her heartbroken family have confirmed. Zara Murphy, aged just 13 years old, collapsed after falling ill while playing in a Louth School Girls League match with Termonfeckin Celtic FC U14s. Paramedics rushed to the Termonfeckin FC grounds, where the match against her old club Glen Magic FC was being played, and treated her there.
She was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda where medics battled to save her life before she was sadly pronounced dead . 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 death notice published online this evening told how the teen "died tragically" yesterday.
It said: "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." The youngster is predeceased by her grandparents Jimmy and Nancy O’Brien. Zara will be reposing at her home on Sunday and Monday evening from 4pm until 8pm.
A funeral cortege will leave her home on Tuesday morning at 10.30a.m proceeding on foot via The Glen and arriving to Our Lady of Lourdes Church for Funeral Mass at 11.
30a.m. Burial will take place afterwards in Newtown Cross Lawns Cemetery, Termonfeckin Road.
All matches in the north east have been called off this weekend as a mark of respect. 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.
” St Oliver’s Primary in Drogheda, where Zara was a pupil, paid an emotional tribute to the tragic youngster. They said: "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 with stay with us forever. "For her short time in this world she had a big and lasting impact. May beautiful Zara Rest In Peace.
” FAI President Paul Cooke told how Zara’s death was “so shocking". He said: “To learn of the passing of a talented footballer at such a young age is particularly devastating.” The local community has been left shocked and devastated by the news of the tragedy, with many flocking to pay tribute to Zara.
A local mum whose daughter played football in a team against Zara said: "RIP beautiful Zara. Tragically taken far too young. Deepest condolences to Brian Angela and Ben & all Zaras friends and teammates.
"I will miss seeing you on the soccer pitch and Anna-Lilly will miss playing against you as you had many battles on the pitch but friends off it. Absolutely 💔. Fly High Zara.
Xx" Another mourner said: "She was a wonderful and cheerful girl and will be sadly missed." A third added: "Words cannot express the sympathy and sadness this town is in over Zara. Life can be so cruel at times.
To take her so young is incomprehensible. " We hope and pray for God to give you strength not just presently but for the future. We cannot say anymore - we are numb and shocked.
R.i.p.
Zara." Gardai were notified of her death however it is been treated as a medical incident..
