Shock at sudden death of ‘natural leader’ Paul McCarthy

There has been widespread shock and sadness in football here and in Britain following the sudden death, at just 45, of former Ireland U21 international Paul McCarthy.

Warm tributes have also been paid by his former clubs and team-mates, as well as many supporters, to a man who was a very popular personality in the game.

The Cork-born centre-half played on the same Rockmount schoolboy team as Roy Keane, and the club yesterday said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of the passing of their former player.