NI Referee Keith Kennedy Passes Away

Irish Premiership referee Keith Kennedy has died at the age of 33.

He passed away on Wednesday, 04 September, and the cause of death is not known.

Kennedy began refereeing in 2007 and officiated his first Irish League match at the age of 21. A statement from the NIFL said: "Keith 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.

"To his dear family, refereeing colleagues and friends within football, we offer our deepest condolences and our prayers at this very difficult time."

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