EX-IRELAND U21 footballer Paul McCarthy has passed away at the age of 45.
The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender, who made 217 appearances and scored six goals for the Seagulls between 1988 and 1996, died suddenly on Sunday.
The Cork native came through the ranks at Rockmount and played on the same underage teams as current Ireland assistant manager Roy Keane.
McCarthy joined Brighton as a trainee in 1989 and would also go on to enjoy spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Oxford United, Hornchurch and Ebbsfleet United.
He was an important part of the Wycombe team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2001 — going out to Liverpool 2-1 at Villa Park.
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