The club has been shocked to hear of the sudden death of ex-County winger Kieron Durkan, at the age of just 44.
Known to everyone as Kizza, he played a crucial role in our most successful season ever, 1997/98, and scored some vital goals as the Hatters won promotion to the First Division and reached the semi-finals of the League Cup.
Kieron begin his footballing career as a youngster playing non-league in Runcorn and Widnes, before joining Wrexham, where he made his senior debut in 1991 and famously scored in an FA Cup thriller at Manchester United, giving the Red Dragons an unlikely lead in 1995.
The Hatters paid £100,000 to bring him to Edgeley Park in February 1996. He made 68 appearances for the club during two years at Edgeley Park, playing alongside County manager Jim Gannon and kitman Richard Landon. He scored seven goals, including County’s first ever goal in Division One when he netted at Bradford City on the opening day of 1997/98.
In 1998, he joined Macclesfield Town, helping them to promotion, making 99 league and cup appearances for the Silkmen before moving to Rochdale in 2001.
Brian Flynn took him to Swansea City two years later before he ended his playing career following spells with Caernarfon Town, Cefn Druids, Runcorn and Leek. He made more than 250 Football League appearances and also won five international caps for Ireland’s Under-21s.
County fans have been paying their own tributes on social media – one said: “Kieron Durkan was a key part of the best 67-game spell in my football supporting life. Really sad to see he’s passed away at just 44.” Another tribute read: “He’ll certainly never be forgotten by anyone at County who saw THAT season. He was extremely underrated and a real asset. RIP Kieron and thanks for the memories.”
Ex-team-mates have also been paying tribute – Wayne Phillips said: “Sad to hear the news today of the passing of Kieron Durkan, top player and team mate, RIP Kizza.” Mike Flynn said: “Absolutely stunned by this very sad news. Only spoke to Kizza a few weeks ago! RIP.”
The circumstances of Kieron’s death are not clear at this time, but it’s understood he died yesterday in the Runcorn area. The club wish to pass on our deepest sympathies to his family and friends at this sad time, and we will pay an appropriate tribute to Kieron at our next home game against Brackley Town on March 10.
[Pic: Kieron’s last appearance in County Blue at Mike Flynn’s testimonial.]
