Irish football is united in mourning, following the news that Derry City captain Ryan McBride passed away suddenly on Sunday.
The defender was 27-years-old.
The Derry Journal report that he was found dead in his home on Sunday afternoon.
He played in Derry's 4-0 SSE Airtricity League win over Drogheda United on Saturday. The cause of death is not known yet.
Derry City chairman Phil O'Doherty told the BBC that the club are "devastated".
"This news is so hard to take in," he said.
"The players and management staff are in shock and it's an extremely tough time for everyone."
Mr O'Doherty has decribed McBride as "a leader on and off the field" and "an ideal captain".
FAI CEO John Delaney has described McBride as "a true great of the game" and described him as Derry's "leader, their captain and their inspiration.
The flags at FAI Headquarters flying at half mast as a mark of respect to Ryan McBride. pic.twitter.com/z80W9TC2Ax
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) March 20, 2017
"On behalf of the FAI Board and everyone in the Association, I would like to offer our sympathies to all who were blessed to have known Ryan.
"Ryan's passing has left a deep shock throughout football. We will remember Ryan with a tribute at Friday night's FIFA World Cup qualifier against Wales."
Derry City were due to face Limerick in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division tomorrow night.
However that game has now been rescheduled as a mark of respect.
Irish international James McClean paid tribute to his former Derry City teammate on Instagram:
A post shared by Jimmymac_11 (@jimmymac_11) on
Tributes have been flowing in for the Derry City captain on Twitter:
Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with @derrycityfc pic.twitter.com/ecTst1872W
— Official Irish FA (@OfficialIrishFA) March 19, 2017
All @DundalkFC sends our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Ryan McBride & our friends at @derrycityfc. Shocking and sad news.
— Dundalk FC (@DundalkFC) March 19, 2017
Our thoughts are with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone at @derrycityfc pic.twitter.com/BzIULiXzBa
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) March 20, 2017
Such sad news. Rip Ryan Mcbride. Thoughts with his family and friends and everyone at Derry City. #warrior
— Sean Hoare (@seanhoare5) March 19, 2017
I'm in shock at this terrible news 😔 RIP Ryan McBride
— Stephen Rice (@Stephenrice_6) March 19, 2017
Sincere condolences to the friends and family of Ryan McBride, Derry City skipper who tragically died today. Terrible news, was only 27.
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) March 19, 2017
One of the toughest centre backs I've ever played against and some great battles with him. RIP Ryan McBride.
— Seani Maguire (@Seani_Maguire_) March 19, 2017
Horrible news about Derry City captain Ryan McBride, someone so young taken so soon. Thoughts are with his family
RIP pic.twitter.com/7cTWksBLs5
— Harry (@RobboHarry) March 19, 2017
Terrible news to hear that #derrycity captain Ryan McBride has passed away aged just 27. Hard to find the right words sometimes. #Derry
— Wee Brendy (@irelandawakened) March 19, 2017
I just can't comprehend the death of Derry Captain Ryan McBride, taken to young! The league mourns a loss of a talented player #RIP #5 pic.twitter.com/SGw2XSYEiA
— Sarah Mitchell (@LimerickMitch) March 19, 2017
Absolutely devastating news. Rip Ryan McBride. Thoughts are with his family and friends. Sad sad day
— Chris Shields (@Big_Shields6) March 19, 2017
We are shocked to hear this evening the passing of our member and @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride. Our thoughts are with his family.
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) March 19, 2017
Terribly sad news hearing Derry City footballer Ryan McBride has passed away. Thoughts are with Ryan's family and close friends. â˜ðŸ»ðŸ™
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) March 19, 2017
