A TEENAGE Cork City star has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with a heart condition.
Ben Dumigan, 16, was on the cusp of signing for Bundesliga club Hoffenheim at the end of January when he underwent medical tests.
And in a devastating development, the tests revealed he had been diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
The condition causes abnormal thickening of a part of the heart muscle and puts him in higher risk of developing a potentially fatal irregular heart rhythm, or arrhythmia.
While he will be able to live a long and healthy life, Dumigan has been forced to hang up his boots.
In a statement released through Cork City, the defender said: “Announcing my retirement from competitive football at such a young age is something I never imagined I would ever have to do.
“The diagnosis has been a shock and the past number of weeks have been very challenging.
“Even though I can never play football again the diagnosis may have saved my life, and I am very grateful for that.
“I feel overwhelmed by the amount of support that I have received and I want to thank everyone at Hoffenheim, at CAA Base, everyone at my schoolboys club Midleton FC and my school Midleton CBS for their support.
“I also want to thank my friends and family for their love and support.
“In particular I want to thank everyone at Cork City, especially Liam Kearney who has been incredibly supportive during what has been a very difficult time”
Dumigan joined the Cork City U14s from his schoolboy club Midleton before the 2023 season.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”‘Fashionista & good egg’ – Virgin Media unveil League of Ireland cult hero as new pundit via hilarious intro” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369478769112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]He was given a first team squad number ahead of the 2025 season, and has been called up by Ireland U15s, U16s, and U17s.
Head of Academy, Liam Kearney, said: “Ben’s talent as a footballer was clear for all to see in his time with us, and that was reflected in the international call-ups and the fact that he was on the verge of a move to a club of Hoffenheim’s stature.
“Ben has our absolute support as he leaves his playing career behind him, and we will continue to do anything we can to help him to adjust to this very significant change in his life.
“Our thoughts are with him at what has been a very difficult time, but I have been so impressed by the positivity and resilience Ben has shown in dealing with this news; qualities that I have no doubt will stand to him in the future.”