A promising young Shelbourne footballer has died after collapsing during a match.
16 year old Izzy Dezu played for Cherry Orchard FC and joined Shelbourne Youths this year.
He was taking part in an U16 match against St Kevin's Boys on the northside yesterday evening when he suddenly collapsed in the second half.
It's understood first aid including a defibrillator was used to try and revive him at the AUL complex on the Clonshaugh Road, but he lost his fight for life at Beaumont Hospital.
We are heartbroken to have to confirm the news that our Academy U16 player, Izzy Dezu, collapsed and died during a match last night.
The thoughts of everyone at Shelbourne FC are with his family and friends who have been devastated by his tragic loss.
May he rest in peace.
— Shelbourne FC (@shelsfc) December 13, 2017
Manager of Cherry Orchard FC Dave Collins says Izzy was everything you could ask for in a young man.
"He was a great character, a very selfless team player. He worked so hard on the pitch. He loved his music, dance and having fun. But when he we worked really, really hard. His family is inconsolable at the moment. You can only imagine how anyone would feel if their healthy 16 year old son went out to play a game of football and didn't come home"
The FAI has described Izzy as one of the most promising young players in the country.
Izzy is the second boy to die at an under 16 match in less than three years.
In May 2015, Belvedere's Shetemi Ayetigbo collapsed and died when he was playing in a game against St Kevins.
