Derry City captain Ryan McBride passes away

Derry City Football Club and the wider footballing community are in mourning with the news that the Candystripes captain Ryan McBride has passed away. Local media have reported that the 27-year-old defender was found dead in his bedroom on Sunday evening.

McBride, who had scored twice in the four games so far this season, captained his side to a 4-0 win over Drogheda United on Saturday night.

Ryan made his league debut for the Candystripes in a 1-1 home draw with Bray Wanderers on 20 May 2011 and made a total of 11 league appearances that season. 

In 2012 Ryan established himself as a regular in Derry's back four and he made 50 league appearances over the next two seasons, also earning an FAI Cup winner's medal when he came on as a substitute in the final against St Patrick's Athletic.

Ryan stayed with Derry City for the 2014 season, his fourth with the first team, and scored three goals in 22 league appearances as the club finished eighth. He also played in his second FAI Cup Final, this time being on the losing side as Derry lost 2-0 to St Pats.

In 2015 Ryan made 23 league appearances as Derry finished seventh in the Premier Division and was among those to re-sign for 2016 under new boss Kenny Shields. Derry finished third in Shiels' first season in charge, qualifying for the Europa League, and Ryan made 20 league appearances before injury ruled him out of the latter part of the season.

Everyone at Extratime.ie would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Ryan’s teammates, friends and family.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam