The Irish Football Association is saddened to learn of the passing of leading referee Keith Kennedy.
News of his sudden death has shocked the Northern Ireland football family. The cause of the 33-year-old’s death earlier today is not yet known.
Keith (pictured) was a hugely experienced and respected match official in the Irish League.
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, who was from Lisburn, had been a referee since 2007. He rose to the top of the game as a FIFA referee and officiated many of the Irish League’s biggest matches and cup finals for over a decade.
The Irish FA President further said: “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.”
NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor said the news of his passing had shocked the league family.
He 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.”
As a mark of respect there will be a minute’s silence held at all NIFL matches this weekend in memory of Keith.
The Irish Football Association sends its sincere condolences to his family circle at this sad time.
