'The players will do what we can for Ruaidhri'

Patrick McEleney insists that he and the Derry City players will pull together for manager Ruaidhri Higgins in the coming weeks in light of the tragedy to hit the Higgins family at the weekend.

Ruaidhri’s older brother Kevin tragically passed away suddenly in his home in Sweden in the early hours of Friday morning at the age of only 48.

The City boss was understandably absent from the dug-out for the Candystripes’ 1-1 draw at Carrick Rangers on Friday night and could well remain so for the foreseeable future.

As a mark of respect to the Higgins family, Derry City players will wear black armbands and there will be a minutes’ silence in both tomorrow’s Billy Kee Memorial Cup game against Institute and Friday’s President Cup game against Shamrock Rovers.

“Family comes first in every sense and the players understand that,” McEleney stated. “I obviously know Ruaidhri and I know his brothers and I know his mum and dad because of how long we’ve actually known each other. Ruaidhri’s family is a really, really tight-knit family. It’s a sad moment and we just have to rally around him and do what we can.”

It promises to be a busy week at the Brandywell, with the new League of Ireland season also just around the corner. But McEleney is hoping that the manager can take whatever time he needs to grieve, promising that he and the players will do their best for him in his absence.

“It’s sad and it’s a tough moment obviously for Ruaidhri,” he continued. “We have to get together to help in any way we can as a club and as players. We’re a tight-knit group so we’ll do everything we can. On the pitch we have to try and do a job for Ruaidhri and his family.

“We have all been in our own situations in our own times, and family always comes first. As players now, and for me as captain, we all have a responsibility to keep our standards high and do what we can. I’m sure Ruaidhri will take whatever time he needs because the main thing is that he’s right.”

Tomorrow's game

Meanwhile, another big crowd is expected at the Brandywell tomorrow night with excitement over the new season building amongst Derry City fans. Over 1,000 supporters showed up for the recent friendly against Finn Harps, and the same is expected again as the countdown to the new campaign continues.  

For Institute, the game provides the chance to help a number of new signings settle further into their new club, while manager Brian Donaghey admits that the prospect of playing against a talented Derry City team is also a huge incentive for his team.

“The new signings will need minutes and we’ll use a few of the younger lads as well,” he explained. “The Kee family are very well-respected and they have brilliant to the club for long periods of time and they have a great association with the club. It’s always a good spectacle and our lads will welcome the FAI Cup winners and hopefully a half decent crowd. They can go and express themselves so the lads will enjoy it.”  

Billy Kee Memorial Cup

Institute vs. Derry City

Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium

Tonight, 7:45pm

Admission £5 for 12 years and over