'One of the good guys': Tributes paid to Irish League Referee Keith Kennedy

Tributes are being paid to Irish League Referee Keith Kennedy, who died suddenly yesterday (Wednesday) aged 33.

One of the most experienced and respected match officials, the Lisburn native has been involved in the league since 2007. He rose to the top of the game as a FIFA Referee, and 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,” said NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor.

“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.”

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood said he was saddened by his death which had come as a great shock and will be deeply felt throughout football in Northern Ireland and in refereeing in particular.

“My thoughts are with his wife Joanne and his family at this time,” he added.

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

“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.”

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