A FOOTBALL fan, whose emotional reaction to a Republic of Ireland winner against Italy in the 2016 Euros captured the imagination of the world, has died.
A Cliftonville FC "lifelong fan" and volunteer, the club said its ground Solitude `will feel poorer' for 57-year-old Kenny Murdock's passing.
His brother Jim informed friends of his death in a social media post on Thursday.
"It's with deep regret I have to share the sad news that Kenneth our youngest brother collapsed suddenly and passed away last night around 11pm at the Royal Victoria Hospital despite the best efforts of the medical team they where unable to revive him."
Kenny Murdock's iconic 'Cliftonville FC, Belfast' flag followed the national side around the world, but it was a picture shared by MMA fighter Conor McGregor among others of his tears at the late winner from Robbie Brady which brought him international attention.
He told the Independent afterwards: "When Ireland scored just the emotion went through me. It was just a relief. I thought it would be offside or disallowed. I could not believe it."
The north Belfast club paid tribute on its website: "A lifelong Reds fan who was a familiar face around Solitude for many years, Kenny was an enthusiastic volunteer who performed a multitude of roles for his club across many seasons - from stewarding to cleaning seats, sweeping stairwells and setting the scene for guests and visitors.
"Always one of the first to arrive at the ground ahead of a game, it became something of a matchday ritual for his fellow supporters to wave Kenny off as he cycled home past them once the action had concluded.
"Captured in tears of joy by television cameras when Cliftonville’s 1998 Premier League title success was confirmed, Kenny was also a proud representative of the Reds on the international stage with his famous `Cliftonville FC Belfast' flag a virtually permanent feature at Republic of Ireland matches around the world."
The club further said at the 2016 Euros he had summed up the "feelings of Irish men and women everywhere" when his emotions "once again got the better of him in the aftermath of Robbie Brady's late winning goal against Italy at the European Championships - imagery of which quickly went viral."
"Just as those who have travelled the world to support Cliftonville and Ireland in his company will miss him, so too will Solitude feel poorer for his passing, with everybody at the club offering sincere condolences to Kenny’s many friends and family.
"Rest in peace, World Cup Kenny."
SDLP assembly member Pat Catney wrote on social media that he and his wife Rosie "are devastated about the passing of our dear friend Kenny Murdock" who he said was "a fixture of Lisburn’s community".
Alliance councillor Sorcha Eastwood messaged he was "such a laugh, a gent".
