THE Republic of Ireland players paid a heartfelt tribute to Zara Murphy following the 13-year-old's tragic death.
The young girl died last Thursday after becoming ill while playing in a Louth School Girls League football match with Termonfeckin Celtic FC.
An avid sports fanatic, Zara was laid to rest at a tearful funeral service in Drogheda on Tuesday morning.
It was the same day as the Republic of Ireland's final Euro 2025 qualifier against France at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
Eileen Gleeson's side showed their class before kick-off by being pictured with an Ireland jersey with 'Zara 13' on the back.
It was a fitting, touching tribute to a young girl who was a beloved players for the likes of Newtown Blues GAA club, Termonfeckin Celtic FC and her former club Glen Magic.
Her grieving father Brian spoke at the service and spoke of the family being "utterly heartbroken" at the loss of a daughter who had dreams of being better than Ireland captain Katie McCabe.
Brian told mourners: "Zara was our amazing, beautiful and loving daughter.
"Angela, Ben and I loved her so much. We are utterly heartbroken and our worlds have been turned upside down. Zara loved life and lived every day to the fullest.
"Everybody she seemed to meet loved her back too. Zara was a strong-willed, sassy, funny and exuberant girl.
"She gave everything she took up with 200 per cent commitment. She loved sport, especially football, soccer and gymnastics.
"She was determined she would make it at one of them. Her major ambition was to be bigger and better than Katie McCabe.
"While she certainly was never going to be big in height, her passion, drive and willpower made her the baller she was."
Zara Murphy's devastating and untimely loss sent shockwaves across the country.
She was remembered with a minute's silence before kick-off in the Louth Derby between Drogheda Utd and Dundalk last Friday.
In a statement following her death, the Drogs said: "All at Drogheda United are deeply saddened by the news of the tragic passing of Zara Murphy.
"We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Brian & Angela, brother Ben, and all of Zara's family, friends and teammates."
Termonfeckin Celtic spokesman Dave Looney explained how Zara was a vital member of schoolgirls' section of the club at the club.
He told the Irish Sun: "The club as a whole are in shock. Zara was an integral part of the girls team, which has been developing into a really positive section of the club, something the club are trying to promote.
"Her father Brian is a huge part of the football family in the North East. It's just shocking.
"At the moment all we can do is express our sympathies with the family, our thoughts and prayers are with them and Zara's teammates."
And FAI President Paul Cooke told how Zara’s death was “so shocking".
He said: “To learn of the passing of a talented footballer at such a young age is particularly devastating.”
"On behalf of everyone connected to Irish football in any way, can I offer our sympathies to Brian, Angela, Ben and their extended families and to all who knew Zara, particularly within Termonfeckin Celtic FC and Glen Magic FC. May she rest in peace."
