All games off following tragic passing of young player

All games in the NEFL (North East Football League) and NERL (North East Regional League) have been suspended this weekend following the tragic news of the death of a young player while playing in a game for Termonfeckin Celtic last night.

The Termonfeckin Celtic club released a statement on Facebook extending their deepest sympathies to the family, friends and team mate of Zara Murphy on her untimely passing.

Zara's father Brian is a highly regarded and respected match official in the local league.

It is understood Zara took ill during a Louth Schoolgirls League (LSGC) game at the local pitch in Termonfeckin. She was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, but sadly passed away.

Tributes have poured in from football clubs across the country expressing their deepest sympathies with the Murphy family.

Louth Local Sports Partnership said "The committee and staff of Louth Local Sports Partnership wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the Murphy Family on the sad passing of their daughter Zara yesterday evening.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to her parents Brian & Angela, her brother Ben, extended family, friends, and team mates at this time. May she rest in peace."

Albion Rovers FC also expressed their sympathies with the Murphy family in a post saying "Everybody at the club would like to extend our deepest sympathy to local referee Brian Murphy and the whole Murphy family on the passing of Brians daughter Zara.

"Many times Zara played in some fantastic matches against our Girls sides over the years for Glen Magic and of late for Termonfeckin Celtic and we cannot begin to imagine how Brian and his family feel at this sad time. May she rest in peace."

Our deepest sympathies to Brian, Angela and Ben and their family.