'A gorgeous soul' - Tributes as girl (13) who died during Louth football match is named

Tributes have been flooding in for the 13-year-old girl who died during a football match in Louth on Thursday.

The young girl has been named as Zara Murphy who plays for Termonfeckin Celtic. She was playing for the club in a School Girls League match on Thursday when she fell ill on the pitch.

She was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where she subsequently passed away.

The North East Football League (NEFL) committee have called off all NEFL matches scheduled for this weekend including all ladies’ fixtures as a mark of respect and extended their condolences to the family.

Tributes have been paid to Zara including from her club, Termonfeckin Celtic, who said: "Termonfeckin Celtic extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and teammates of Zara on her untimely passing yesterday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian, Angela and Ben at this time. RIP Zara."

Her school, St Oliver's Primary School outside Drogheda, issued a heartfelt statement on Friday, describing Zara as "wonderful, bright and kind."

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A statement read: "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 in St Oliver’s NS. 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. May the angels meet her and take her to their heavenly home," the statement concluded.

It has also been confirmed that there will be a minute's silence for Zara at the Dundalk FC vs Drogheda United game in the League of Ireland on Friday evening.

In a statement, Dundalk FC said: "There will be a minute’s silence ahead of this evening’s Louth Derby in memory of teenager Zara Murphy, who tragically passed away while playing with her club Termonfeckin Celtic in the Louth School Girls League on Thursday night.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Zara’s family, friends and teammates at this very difficult time. May she rest in peace."