Tributes are paid to former Dale player
TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rochdale footballer who suddenly died at the age of 44.
Kieron Durkan, who played for the Dale 30 times between 2001 and 2003, scoring one goal, was found dead in his home town of Runcorn on Tuesday night.
The right winger also appeared for Wrexham, Macclesfield Town, Stockport County and Swansea in a career that spanned 13 years.
He is perhaps best remembered for giving Wrexham a shock 1-0 lead in an FA Cup match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in 1995 before the Welsh side succumbed 5-2.
But his most prolific stint came at Macclesfield, where he scored 13 goals in 102 games in three seasons from 1998.
And according to his then manager Sammy McIlroy he was a major part of the Slikmen’s promotion winning team out of the then Division 3.
He said: “He was a fantastic lad and great to work with, there were no problems on or off the pitch and he was a great professional.
“I am devastated by this terrible news. He was a great character to have and everyone liked him.
“He will be sadly missed by his friends, family and the clubs he played for. He was strong, could cross a ball and score a goal.
“I remember he always had an energy drink and said he needed it to play, not many players thought about that back then.”
Stockport County has also paid tribute via its Twitter account.
A Tweet said: “RIP Kieron. Very sad news. The thoughts of everyone at County are with his family and friends.”
And club director John Keighren tweeted: “Shocked to hear the news about former Stockport County man Kieron Durkan who has died at the age of 44, awful news, RIP.”
The circumstances surrounding Mr Durkan’s death are not yet clear.
As well as amassing more than 250 football league appearances he also played for the Republic of Ireland under-21 team.
Former Wrexham and Manchester United player Mickey Thomas Tweeted: “Such sad news today about the passing of Kieron Durkan a fantastic footballer and a wonderful young man who will be sadly missed by everyone RIP Kizza.”
Mr Durkan also had spells at non-league cubs including Runcorn FC.
A statement from the town’s club, now called Runcorn Linnets, said: “The club is saddened to hear the news of the passing away of Kieron Durkan, undoubtedly one of the finest football players to ever come from our town.
“As well as his incredible talent he will be remembered for an infectious smile, and the thoughts of everyone at the club are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”