“Maybe life saved”
©IMAGO
Last winter, Ben Dumigan’s career was supposed to take speed. The 16 -year -old central defender wanted to take the step from Cork City FC from Ireland to TSG Hoffenheim to continue his good development in recent years. However, the sad certainty followed at the medical check: a heart defect not only prevented the move to Germany, but also a career in the professional area.
At the weekend, the Cork City FC, three times Irish champion and promoted team in the Premier Division, confirmed the news. Dumigan has to end his career with immediate effect – and without really starting it. The reason for this is a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which ensures that the heart muscles take place asymmetrical. This is harmless in everyday life, but a career in professional football is excluded.
Dumigan was Irish junior national player and last stood in September 2024 for the U17 against Denmark on the field (0: 2). “I never thought that I had to announce my resignation from competitive sports at such a young age,” he was quoted in the statement of the club. “The diagnosis was a shock and the last few weeks have been very challenging. Even if 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 support I have received, and I would like to thank everyone in Hoffenheim, my consultant agency, everyone in my youth club Midleton FC and my school Midleton CBS for their support. “
