Zara Murphy, a 13-year-old from Drogheda, County Louth, Ireland, passed away after falling ill during a football match last week. She had been playing for the Termonfeckin Celtic FC under-14 team against Glen Magic in the Louth School Girls League when emergency services were called. Zara was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, where she later died.
Her father, Brian, spoke at her funeral on Tuesday, calling her “one in a million” and sharing that she had aspired to be a better footballer than Irish captain and Arsenal player Katie McCabe.
The funeral procession was led by players from Termonfeckin Celtic FC and Newtown Blues GFC, who walked alongside the hearse. They paused at The Glen football pitch, where the flag was flown at half-mast, and led a round of applause. An organiser described it as a “fantastic tribute to a fantastic little lady.”
The procession then moved to Our Lady of Lourdes Church, where mourners filled the pews and gathered outside. Brian expressed his family’s heartbreak, saying their “worlds have been turned upside down.” He described Zara as a strong-willed, sassy, funny, and exuberant girl who gave her all to everything she did, especially sports like football, soccer, and gymnastics.
Brian noted that Zara’s drive and ambition, including her dream to surpass Katie McCabe, inspired her friends and teammates. He expressed hope that they would honor Zara by striving to be their best, whether playing for their country or Ireland. “We know Zara will be looking over you,” he said. “You are one in a million. Shine bright, sweetheart.”
