Derry City captain Ryan McBride in action on Saturday against Drogheda. (North West Newspix)
THE city of Derry woke this morning to the shocking news that Ryan McBride tragically passed away in his sleep yesterday evening at his home.
The world of football has also been stunned at the sudden death of the popular 27-year-old Derry City captain.
Nowhere is his death felt more than at his beloved Derry City Football Club which he loved and proudly wore the Candy Stripes shirt
In a statement today, the club said: “Derry City Football Club is deeply saddened by the untimely death of our captain, Ryan Mc Bride.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with his father, Lexie, his sisters Colleen, Siuinin and Caitlain, and his partner Mairead who are heartbroken at his loss. We are also conscious of his teammates and our management and support staff.
“Ryan was a player and a great captain but he was also their friend and teammate.
“They are deeply shocked and will miss his inspiration and his leadership.
“Our supporters are also shocked and saddened. To them, Ryan was Derry City through and through. The commitment and passion he brought on to the field is the bond that binds player and supporter.
“In the hearts and minds of all of us and long into the future Ryan McBride will be remembered as one of the greats of Derry City Football Club.
“We are also conscious that this is the anniversary of the death of the members of the McGrotty and Daniels family in Buncrana and it is only a short time since we remembered Mark Farren’s death.
“It is at times like this that we are reminded that our Club is also a community of people. As in the past, that community will come together to comfort and support Ryan’s family.
“In the coming days and weeks we will grieve the loss of our captain and our friend. Sometime in the future, when we have got past the initial shock and have had the proper space to grieve his loss, we will find a way to celebrate his life.
“We will remember his civility and humility off the field, his commitment and passion on it and the deep love he carried in his heart for Derry City Football Club.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Footballers, past and present, have been paying their own personal tributes to Ryan.
Former Republic of Ireland goal keepr Shay Given tweeted: “Terrible sad news to hear the passing @derrycityfc captain Ryan McBride, Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends #RIPRYANMCBRIDE
Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler tweeted: “Thoughts and prayers of all the family and friends of @derrycityfc captain Ryan mcbride… RIP”
And local and national football clubs have also expressed their sympathies to Ryan, his family and the club.
North West rival Finn Harps tweeted: “We wish our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ryan McBride such awful news to hear, may he rest in peace @derrycityfc ⚪️”
Celtic Football Club said in a tweet: “The thoughts & prayers of everyone at Celtic are with the family & friends of @derrycityfc captain, Ryan McBride, following his sad passing.”
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