Derry City FC issue statement following the death of Ryan McBride

By Richard O'Reilly

Derry City Football Club has released a statement following the passing of club captain Ryan McBride.  

The 27 year old was found dead at his Brandywell on Sunday night.  

The club said Ryan was 'Derry through and through' and will be remembered as one of the greats of the club.

CEO of the club Sean Barret called him a 'true warrior'.  He said Ryan epitomised everything about Derry'.

.@derrycityfc official Sean Barrett pays tribute to 'true warrior' Ryan McBride pic.twitter.com/MlWdyyXNtD

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 20, 2017

Club statement in full:

"Derry City Football Club is deeply saddened by the untimely death of our captain, Ryan McBride.  Our Prayers and thoughts are with his father, Lexie and 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 shcoked and saddened.  To them, Ryan was Derry through and through.  The commitment and passion he brought 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 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 cvomfort and support Ryan's family.

In the coming days and weeks we will grieve the loss of our captain and our friend.  OSmetimme in the future, 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 love he carried in his heard or Derry City Football Club

Ar dhies De go raibh a anam."