Footballer dies 24 hours after leading his side to victory

Derry City captain Ryan McBride has died, the Irish Football Association has said.

The 27-year-old defender is thought to have died at home on Sunday evening, according to reports.

A cause of death is not yet known.

The Irish FA tweeted: “Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with @derrycityfc.”

His death comes a day after McBride led his team to a 4-0 victory over Drogheda United.

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Drogheda United said on Twitter that they “would like to offer our deepest condolences to @derrycityfc on the sudden passing of their captain Ryan McBride”.

Phil O’Doherty, Derry City Football Club chairman, said the team is “devastated”.

“This news is so hard to take in,” he told the BBC.

“He started the season so well and scored a really important goal against Shamrock Rovers recently.

“The players and management staff are in shock and it’s an extremely tough time for everyone. ”

Mr O’Doherty said McBride “was a leader on and off the field”.

“He was incredibly respected. He was an ideal captain,” he said.

“He was from the Brandywell area and he just walked across the road to his home after every game. ”

Galway United midfielder Gavan Holohan wrote: “Can’t believe the tragic news I’ve just heard about Ryan Mcbride… An absolute warrior on the pitch. Thoughts are with his family.”

Derry City has been hit by a string of tragedies in recent years.

Last year, popular striker Mark Farren died at the age of 33 after battling a brain tumour.

Also, current Derry player Josh Daniels lost his mother, sister, brother in law and nephews in the Buncrana pier tragedy in Donegal.