Young footballer dies during match

An amateur league footballer Stuart Ross passed away while playing for his club Islandmagee II at Wilbourne Park, after he had some pain in his leg. He was 25 years old.

The club secretary, Crawford Wilson told UTV: “Just with that he collapsed onto the pitch. Despite valiant efforts from local people and emergency services, they were not able to revive him.”

Saturday’s clash was the footballer’s first game with the second team.

Stuart’s best friend’s (Alan) father, Mr. Wilson was quoted: “Everyone at the club is totally devastated at what happened at the grounds yesterday,” he said.

“I have been involved in football for over 40 years now and you never think that this would happen to your own club – especially someone who was a true gentleman like Stuart. He probably would have been one of the fittest people on the team.”

Alan Wilson, player/manager of the team, described the scene at the grounds: “Everyone was running around frantically trying to help him and trying to get ambulances, trying to get gates opened, cars moved. In that sort of situation what can you do but panic straight away?”

A cousin of Stuart, John Brennan said, “Stuart was one of the softest, nicest guys you’ll ever meet. He just took everything in his stride, was so relaxed. [He] never stressed. He was just about enjoying life. He was the heart and soul of this club.

“What can you say about the man? He was a gentleman, an absolute legend.”

A post-mortem is due to take place today.