Irish League referee Keith Kennedy passes away suddenly at the age of 33
Tributes have been paid to Keith Kennedy after his sudden death at the age of 33.
Condolences have been expressed following the sudden death of a well known Irish League referee
Keith Kennedy was aged just 33 when he passed away. His passing was reported on Wednesday September 4, 2024.
The exact cause of death is not known at this time, reports Belfast Live.
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A ref since 2007, Keith, from Lisburn in Co Antrim, had officiated in the Northern Ireland Football League for more than 10 years and had the honour of officiating at the Irish Cup Final in 2017.
NIFL Chairman Gerard Lawlor paid tribute on Wednesday night. Mr Lawlor said: "The news of Keith's passing has shocked the league family today.
"Keith was not only a referee but a friend to many within all the clubs. He was one of the good guys. He was always approachable and the first to make the call and hold his hands up if he got it wrong.
"He was a character, a straight talker and an individual with high morals, who lived his values and convictions, possibly often to his own detriment within the game. To his dear family, refereeing colleagues and friends within football, we offer our deepest condolences and our prayers at this very difficult time.”
Tributes were also paid by the many clubs he handled in games down the years. Cliftonville FC said: "Cliftonville Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Keith Kennedy. A long-serving referee, Keith has been a familiar face at Solitude and beyond for more than a decade and all at the Reds share in Irish League football’s sense of shock and sorrow at the news of his passing.
"As well as extending our sympathies to Keith’s friends and family, we likewise offer condolences to his colleagues in the refereeing fraternity who, so soon after the loss of Peter McGrath, remain firmly in our thoughts at this most difficult time."
Linfield FC said: "Everyone at Linfield FC is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Irish League referee Keith Kennedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Meanwhile, Larne FC said: "Everyone at Larne FC is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Keith Kennedy. Our thoughts go out to Keith’s family, friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. Rest in Peace."
Dungannon Swifts took to social media to also share their condolences to his friends and family. They said: "All at Dungannon Swifts are saddened to learn of the passing of Irish League referee, Keith Kennedy.
"Keith was always good fun when he came to Stangmore Park and never forgot the mascots. All of our thoughts and prayers are with Keith’s family and friends at this very difficult time. Deepest condolences to all."
Glentoran said: "Everyone at Glentoran would like to express our deep sadness and regret in hearing the news of Keith Kennedy's sudden passing.
"Our sympathy at this awful time is with all of Keith's family , friends and colleagues. RIP."
Loughgall FC also paid tribute to Keith. They said: "It is with great sadness we learn of the breaking news this evening on the passing of local referee Keith Kennedy
"Our deepest sympathy at this time to Keith’s surrounding family and friends, aswell as all in the refereeing and football community within Northern Ireland."
As a mark of respect, there will be a minutes’ silence held at all NIFL matches this weekend.
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