Arsenal donating to auction for Derry City captain Ryan McBride
The late Derry City FC captain Ryan McBride passed away at the age of only 27.
Ryan McBride
An auction is set to take place to raise money for the family of the late Derry City Captain Ryan McBride following his sudden death.
The 27-year-old defender passed away at his Brandywell home last Sunday, hours after leading his hometown club to a 4-0 win over Drogheda United.
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins was among hundreds who attended the funeral.
The McBride family home is beside the ground where Ryan, whose nickname was 'Captain Fantastic', was a hero to supporters.
Ryan's team-mates formed a guard of honour for their skipper as he was carried into the church for Requiem Mass.
Tributes have been paid to the football hero. Northern Ireland football team held a minute's applause ahead of their Norway World Cup qualifier on Sunday night.
Meanwhile Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean wore Ryan's number five during Friday night's World Cup qualifier with Wales.
James McClean said he will donate the shirt he wore to the tragic Derry City star's grieving family.
An auction has been set up for next week in a bid to raise money for his family.
Arsenal is among three Premier League sides who have sent memorabilia to the auction.
The Funeral of Derry City Player Ryan McBride takes place at St Columba's Church in Derry on Thursday. The 27-year-old footballer was found dead at home on Sunday, a day after he led his side in a 4-0 League of Ireland win over Drogheda United. Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker
Funeral of Derry City Football Club captain Ryan McBride at St Columba's Church in the city. The 27-year-old died suddenly at his home on Sunday evening. His coffin is carried from the church after Requiem Mass. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com
Press Eye Ltd - Northern Ireland - The funeral of Derry City Football Club captain Ryan McBride Photo Lorcan Doherty / Presseye.com
The funeral of Derry City Football Club captain Ryan McBride. Photo Lorcan Doherty / Presseye.com
Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland (centre) at the funeral of Derry City football captain Ryan McBride at the Long Tower church in Londonderry, who was found dead at home on Sunday night aged 27. Niall Carson/PA Wire
They sent a football signed by their first team players.
Other donations have included an England shirt signed by Joe Hart and a golf hat signed by a number of Liverpool legends including Robbie Fowler, John Aldridge and Luis Garcia.
West Brom, Burnley, Preston, Bristol City, Burnley and the Republic of Ireland have also pledged to donate jerseys to the auction.
A minute's applause for Derry's Ryan McBride before the World Cup qualifier at Windsor park in Belfast. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press
Follow updates and more information about the auction here at Auction for Ryan
