Tributes paid as Derry City Captain dies suddenly

By PA reporter

The Irish President has paid tribute to Derry City Football Club captain Ryan McBride after he died suddenly at the age of 27.

The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the tragedy.

McBride is thought to have died at his home in Derry, close to his side's ground, on Sunday night. The cause of his death is unknown.

His last match was a 4-0 triumph over Drogheda United in the League of Ireland Premier Division on Saturday.

The IFA tweeted: "Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with @derrycityfc."

President Michael D Higgins tweeted: "Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride."

This is the second tragedy to strike the club in just over a year.

Ex-Derry City and Glenavon striker Mark Farren died aged 33 in February 2016.

Derry's record goalscorer had been receiving treatment for an aggressive brain tumour.

A year ago, Derry player Josh Daniels lost his mother, sister, brother-in-law and nephews in the Buncrana pier tragedy.

A car slid off the pier and entered Lough Swilly.

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

"Along with all those who support Irish football, I express my sadness and condolences to the family of @derrycityfc Captain Ryan McBride."

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 20, 2017

My deepest condolences to the family and all @derrycityfc as they mourn the loss of the talented Ryan McBride. Such devastating news.

— Arlene Foster (@DUPleader) March 20, 2017

Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with @derrycityfc pic.twitter.com/ecTst1872W

— Official Irish FA (@OfficialIrishFA) March 19, 2017

Ryan McBride R.I.P. What a shock. pic.twitter.com/XVmbQTrrE9

— Robert Goggins (@goggins_robert) March 20, 2017

Dreadful news! R.I.P Ryan McBride! #footballfamily https://t.co/R8r5AEuLJc

— Tom Curtis (@cpfctom99) March 20, 2017

Thoughts tonight with the family of Ryan McBride and everyone involved with @derrycityfc #ryanmcbride pic.twitter.com/D8feSYeYI4

— Football Bio (@Football_Bio) March 20, 2017

Devastating news about the passing of Derry City captain Ryan McBride. #RIP - https://t.co/XsYeA79k13 pic.twitter.com/HfeYdHtT72

— Independent Sport (@IndoSport) March 20, 2017