TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenage girl who died after collapsing during a soccer match in Co. Louth on Thursday. Zara Murphy, 13, became ill during a Louth School Girls League (LSGL) game between her club Termonfeckin Celtic and former side Glen Magic.
She was rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda but later passed away. All games in the LSGL and the North East Football League (NEFL) were called off this weekend as a mark of respect. In a statement, LSGL Children's Officer Bróna Mackin described Zara as 'a wonderfully committed footballer' as she offered her condolences to the teen's parents and brother.
"The first thoughts of all coming to terms with this tragedy are with Brian, Angela and Ben," she 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." In the joint statement issued alongside the FAI, association 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.
" In a tribute on social media, St Oliver's National School said Zara was a pupil who 'lit up our hearts and lives'. "Deepest and heartfelt condolences from everyone at St Oliver's.
