St Patrick's Athletic striker Charles Mbabazi Livingstone has been forced to retire from football following medical advice.
The Ugandan international was taken to hospital on Friday night midway through the club's league game with Bohemians after complaining of chest pains and breathing difficulties.
The player was well enough to leave St James' Hospital today but doctors have advised him to retire from competitive sport.
In a statement, club chairman Andy O'Callaghan said: "It is a huge shock and disappointment to him that he has been forced to retire so suddenly but he has a young family and the consultations with the doctor left him in no doubt that this was the correct course."
"We are upset to lose him as a player. However, our loss is nothing compared to the cruel way in which his career as a professional footballer has been cut short."
St Patrick's Athletic said they will keep the 24-year-old on at Inchicore in a coaching and promotional capacity.
Today's news comes as a blow to club manager Eamonn Collins who is preparing his side for Sunday's FAI Carlsberg Cup final against Longford Town at Lansdowne Road.