The teenage hurler who died suddenly during a game in Co Cork on Monday had been diagnosed with a heart condition four years ago and had just completed his Leaving Cert, it emerged yesterday.
Liam O'Regan (18), from Castlewhite, Ballinora, near Ballincollig in Co Cork, was playing in goal in a minor fixture for his local club, Ballinora, when he died.
According to club chairman John Brosnan, the young man was playing in goal and had just started to solo up the pitch. When he reached the halfway line, he suddenly fell to the ground.
Dr Therese Crotty, Dr Mike O'Connor and nurse Kay Poland, who were at the match, went to the player's aid. They were unable to restart his heart and he was brought to Cork University Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9pm that night.
His parents were watching from the sidelines when he collapsed.
It is understood Mr O'Regan suffered from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy but such was his love for hurling that he continued to play. He remained in goal but still made darting attacks up the pitch.
His father, Michael O'Regan, who once played hurling for Kilkenny, said yesterday that every effort was made to reduce the risks associated with the condition.
"He knew the risks but he was passionate about hurling. We are absolutely devastated by what has happened.
"We're completely in shock - but we are trying to take something from the fact that he died doing what he loved best," Mr O'Regan said.