Shockwaves have been sent through the Kilkenny footballing community following the ‘truly devastating’ death of chairman and player Shane Murphy during a charity club game.
On Wednesday evening, August 21, Mr Murphy is understood to have taken ill during the match, subsequently passing away a short time later.
Emergency services were informed of the incident involving Mr Murphy, aged in his 40s, during the charity match for Cois Nore Cancer Support Kilkenny. They arrived on the scene soon after to tend to the club chairman.
It is understood that Gardaí are treating his death as a medical incident and cannot provide any further information at this time.
Mr Murphy’s club have been left ‘truly devastated’ at the tragic turn of events which saw the hugely popular figure who was devoted to River Rangers in Kilkenny, pass away.
A club statement from River Rangers AFC, Ballycallan, Kilkenny, said: ‘We are truly devastated over the tragic loss of our Chairman, player and very good friend Shane Murphy.
‘Maeve and Bill, our members are with you all in your time of grief.
‘River Rangers AFC extends to you and your wider family its deepest sympathy. We are heartbroken fo your loss.
‘Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’
Wider tributes paid to the beloved chairman
The Kilkenny District soccer league has also paid tribute to the much-loved member, writing: ‘We are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Shane Murphy.
‘Heartfelt condolences to Shane’s family, friends and all at River Rangers AFC. Shane was a big part of the football community in Kilkenny.
‘He was the current chairman of River Rangers AFC and a terrific player. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’
Other football clubs nationwide have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the Kilkenny man and express their sorrow at the news.
Evergreen FC, also located in Kilkenny, wrote: ‘All at Evergreen would like to pass on our sincerest sympathies to the Murphy family and River Rangers on the untimely passing of Shane Murphy.
‘Shane was the chairman of River Rangers and a stalwart of their team over the years, a gentleman to his core. The Kilkenny & District Soccer League and the entire community is worse off for his loss.’
Fort Rangers FC added: ‘All at Fort Rangers FC wish to offer our sincerest condolences to our near neighbours and friends at River Rangers AFC on the sad passing of their club chairman, Shane Murphy.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Shane’s family, friends and clubmates at this tragic time. May heaven be his bed. RIP Shane.’
Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre in Kilkenny also expressed their condolences to Mr Murphy’s family, writing: ‘Our sincere condolences to Shane’s family, friends, colleagues and club members.’
Mr Murphy had been taking part in a fundraiser Charity football match when he fell ill, tragically passing away a short time later.
