A HOST of former stars of Irish football are set to take part in a series of events to mark the first anniversary of the death of Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride.
His sudden death on March 19 last year sent shock waves through Irish and European soccer circles, prompting a huge outpouring of grief.
A programme of sporting and fun events has been planned for Easter Monday to commemorate the popular player, culminating with a gala dinner.
All funds raised from the day will go towards the Ryan McBride Foundation which was established by Mr McBride’s family to work with young people across Derry and the north west.
The main event will be a six-a-side masters football tournament at the newly refurbished Brandywell Stadium. It will feature teams representing both the Republic and Northern Ireland, Derry City and a League of Ireland Select.
Among the former stars expected to line out will be past Republic stars, Kevin Kilbane and Damien Duff as well as Stephen Hunt and Mark Kinsella.
“The Republic of Ireland masters squad will be managed by current under-21 manager, Noel King who has fond memories of the Brandywell having been Derry City manager between 1985 and 1987,” the spokesman said.
A Derry City side will be managed by former Northern Ireland international and Derry City favourite Felix Healy and will include Eddie McCallion, Peter Hutton and Gary Beckett.
Former Northern Ireland strikers Ivan Sproule and David Healy will join the Northern Ireland Masters.
Full details and prices are available from the Ryan McBride Foundation Facebook and Twitter pages.
