Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers sends condolences to the family of a young Irish fan tragically died in a car crash
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has sent his condolences to the family of a young fan who died in a tragic accident.
Aoibhe Byrne (14), from Lisnaclea in Carrickmacross, died last year and was a noted fan of the Scottish football club.
In a video message posted on Thursday to a memorial Facebook page dedicated to the school girl’s memory, Rodgers sent his well wishes to her family and those playing in the Aoibhe Byrne Memorial Cup, a tournament named in her honour.
“I know that you’re there to commemorate the memory of your beautiful girl who sadly passed away,” he said in a message that was posted with the caption “From all those at Celtic FC”.
“My thoughts are with yourselves for the tragic loss of Aoibhe,” added Rogers, who was born in Carnlough and began his football career playing for Ballymena United.
“I know you’re massive Celtic supporters, travel to the games, and young Aoibhe came over and felt the magic of Celtic Park.
“The sadness I’m sure will always be there and having experienced death with close family then of course that never leaves you.
“However, tonight I’m sure is also a celebration and today will be a celebration of Aoibhe’s life.”
The Aoibhe Byrne Memorial Cup tournament will be played in the Monaghan teen’s memory in Carrickmacross this weekend.
It sees eight U16s teams compete for the trophy, which features a photograph of the young girl who played in the Under 16 team for Carrick Cruisers.
“On behalf of myself and everyone here at Celtic, I just wanted to pass on my belated condolences for the death of such a beautiful young girl and hopefully her memory you can celebrate for many more years to come,” added Rodgers.
“I wish you all a great day in celebration and hopefully I get a chance to meet you some time.”
Rodgers’ message comes after he made headlines for jumping to the defence of his former player Harry Maguire, who faced criticism from Manchester United fans for his recent performance.
“He’s a good guy, he’s obviously a top-class player and the focus and noise that’s been around him sadly has probably been created more by his own club’s supporters and that’s spilled out into other supporters,” Rodgers told a recent press conference.
