Footballer Forced to Retire at 16 After Rare Medical Condition Discovered Before Major Career Move
A 16-year-old footballer has been forced to retire due to a rare medical condition.
Cork City defender Ben Dumigan was undergoing medical tests in January ahead of a move to Hoffenheim when he was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).
HCM causes abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, increasing the risk of potentially fatal irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) under intense physical exertion.
Despite the diagnosis, the club assured that Dumigan can still live a long and healthy life and safely engage in moderate exercise. However, the physical demands of competitive football pose too great a risk, making retirement the safest option.
A statement from Cork City read: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we today confirm the retirement of young 16-year-old defender, Ben Dumigan.
At the end of January, whilst undergoing medical tests in advance of signing for Bundesliga club Hoffenheim, Ben received a diagnosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM).’
Dumigan joined Cork City as an Under-14 player from his schoolboy club Midleton and was assigned a first-team squad number for the 2025 season.
He also represented the Republic of Ireland at the Under-17 level.
Expressing his shock at the diagnosis, Dumigan shared his gratitude for the overwhelming support he has received during this challenging time.
Dumigan 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’
City’s 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.’
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