Widespread shock at sudden death of well known Irish League referee Keith Kennedy

Tributes have been paid to Lisburn’s Keith Kennedy (33), one of the best known referees in Irish League football who has died suddenly. The cause of Mr Kennedy’s death is not yet known.

Conrad Kirkwood, Irish FA President said he was “saddened” by Mr Kennedy’s death, which had come as a “great shock and will be deeply felt throughout football in Northern Ireland and in refereeing in particular”.

Mr Kirkwood added: “My thoughts are with his wife Joanne and his family at this time.

“Keith took up the whistle in his early teens. I have known him for many yearsand had the opportunity to meet with him on many occasions in his various roles.

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“Early in my presidency he was a tremendous help to me when I was looking at our arrangements for looking after, respecting and recognising match officials coming to Northern Ireland from abroad. With his input I feel that we were able to make improvements.

“Recently I was pleased to have his input as part of discussions with the referees’ association. He was a calming voice of reason,” said Mr Kirkwood.

Gerard Lawlor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) said the organisation was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr Kennedy’s passing.

He described Mr Kennedy as “a hugely experienced and respected match official in the League since 2007″.

Mr Lawlor added: “Keith rose to the top of the game as a FIFA referee. He also officiated many of the Irish League’s biggest matches and cup finals.

“The news of Keith’s passing has shocked the league family today. He was not only a referee, but a friend to many within our 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 something 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,” said Mr Lawlor, who offered his “deepest condolences and prayers” to Mr Kennedy’s family, refereeing colleagues and friends within football.

As a mark of respect, there will be a minutes’ silence held at all NIFL matches this weekend in memory of Mr Kennedy.

Irish League clubs Linfield, Cliftonville and Glentoran, have also posted tributes to Mr Kennedy on social media.

Mr Kennedy began refereeing in 2007 and officiated his first Irish League match at the age of 21.

He took charge of the 2017 Irish Cup final between Linfield and Coleraine.