As you may have recently heard, the football community and fans across the Irish League came together to pay heartfelt tribute to Lydia Ross, a 21-year-old Ballymena United supporter who tragically lost her life in a car crash near Aghadowey. Lydia, described as her father’s “princess,” was a dedicated fan who attended every match with her father, Paul. During a game at Glenavon, Ballymena players wore t-shirts featuring Lydia’s photograph in a moving tribute, and the game paused in the 21st minute as players, staff, and fans joined in applause. The outpouring of support and remembrance from the football community has been truly remarkable, with Lydia’s father expressing his immense gratitude, saying, “This is absolutely amazing, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Tributes and Memorials
For her family and the wider football community, the outpouring of love and support following Lydia Ross’s tragic passing has been both overwhelming and heartwarming. The tributes and memorials that have taken place serve as a poignant reminder of the impact she had on those around her and the close-knit nature of the football family.
Ballymena United’s Tribute
Following Lydia’s passing, Ballymena United paid a touching tribute to their dedicated supporter. Players wore t-shirts bearing her photograph before the start of their game at Glenavon, while a moment of applause was observed in the 21st minute to honor her memory. The club was deeply affected by the loss, with manager Jim Ervin dedicating their subsequent 1-0 win to Lydia’s memory. These gestures exemplify the empathy and unity that permeate through the football community in times of tragedy.
League-wide Remembrance
Beyond Ballymena, the wider Irish League also came together to remember Lydia. Fans and players from various clubs stood in solidarity to pay their respects, showcasing the spirit of compassion and solidarity that runs deep within the football community. This widespread outpouring of support underscores the impact and significance of Lydia’s presence in the football family, and the depth of sorrow felt at her passing.
A Community United in Grief
Even in the face of tragedy, the football community has come together to honor the memory of Lydia Ross. The outpouring of support from players, staff, and fans across the Irish League has been a powerful reminder of the strength of the football family.
The Role of Social Media
In the wake of Lydia’s passing, social media has played a crucial role in uniting people in grief. The heartfelt messages, photos, and memories shared online have provided a space for the football community to come together and show their support for Lydia’s family. The power of social media to bring people together in times of sorrow has been evident in the overwhelming response to Lydia’s tragic accident.
Ballymena Manager’s Dedication
The dedication of Ballymena manager Jim Ervin to Lydia’s memory has been a poignant display of the impact she had on the club. His commitment to honoring her during their match at Glenavon speaks volumes about the profound effect Lydia had on everyone at Ballymena. This gesture not only pays tribute to Lydia but also highlights the deep sense of unity and compassion within the football community.
The Farewell
To the football community and the fans of Lydia Ross, the time has come to bid a final farewell to a young woman who touched the hearts of many. As Lydia’s family prepares to lay her to rest, the football world stands united in support and remembrance.
Funeral Arrangements
The funeral of Lydia Ross will take place on New Year’s Day, as family and friends gather to pay their respects and honor her memory. The service will be a time to reflect on the impact Lydia had on those around her, and to support her loved ones during this difficult time.
A Father’s Heartfelt Message
Paul, Lydia’s father, has expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from the football community. In a heartfelt message, he thanked everyone for their kindness and support, acknowledging the impact Lydia had on the Ballymena United family and beyond. His message serves as a reminder of the strength found in unity and the power of coming together in times of loss.
From above the Hearts of Lydia Ross’s Family to the Football Community
Football players and fans united in tribute to a young woman killed in a Co Antrim car crash. Lydia Ross (21) died after the accident near Aghadowey on Thursday night. Her funeral will take place on New Year’s Day. She was a Ballymena United supporter and attended each match with her father Paul, who described her as his “princess”. On Saturday afternoon, fans across the Irish League joined together to remember Lydia. Ballymena players wore t-shirts carrying her photograph in tribute before kick-off at their game at Glenavon. Then, in the 21st minute, the game paused as players, staff and fans joined in applause. Her father Paul posted on X, formerly Twitter – “This is absolutely amazing, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Afterwards, Ballymena boss Jim Ervin dedicated their 1-0 win at Mourneview Park to Lydia’s memory. “It’s been a really difficult couple of days at Ballymena,” he told the BBC. “Our thoughts go out to (Paul) and his family. Lydia was very well known about the Showgrounds and she was very familiar with the players. “It’s been difficult the last couple of days trying to get our heads around what has happened.’
