A young footballer who died during an underage match in Dublin on Sunday has been named as 16 year-old Shetemi (Shay) Ayetigbo.
The player, who is from Donabate, collapsed on the pitch in Shanowen Park in Santry yesterday afternoon around half an hour into an under-16 game between his club Belvedere and St Kevin’s Boys.
According to witnesses at the scene he received immediate medical attention but could not be resuscitated, and was later pronounced dead at nearby Beaumont Hospital.
“One of the St Kevin’s players was down because he hurt his ankle. Shay went over for a drink at the dugout and just dropped, and straight away we called the St Kevin’s physio who ran over,” said a witness who was at the game.
“They had a defibrillator out within less than a minute, they were very very quick. The ambulance and paramedics arrived soon after and they were doing CPR for about 40 minutes in total but unfortunately they just couldn’t get him going.”
The central midfielder was said to be a very popular player around the club, and was touted for a move to the new League of Ireland under-17 competition which is due to begin in August.
He moved to the north Dublin academy club from Home Farm within the last year, and his family is of Nigerian origin. He had no significant existing health problems.
Within hours of the news tributes began pouring in on social media from friends of the teenager, who described his skills on the football field as well as his affable personality.
In a statement released on Sunday, Belvedere Football Club also paid tribute to the rising star, and extended condolences to his grieving family.
“Belvedere Football Club is mourning the death of one of our U16 players who tragically collapsed while playing for the club today,” it read.
“While all of our members are in deep shock, our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this tragic time.
“We ask that the privacy of the family be respected as the club supports them in grieving their boy.
“The club will also support our U16 players, coaches and parents who are devastated at the loss of a very popular team-mate.”