Livingstone forced to retire on medical advice

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC star Charles Mbabazi Livingstone has been forced to retire on medical advice.

The Uganda international was taken to hospital during last Friday’s game against Bohemians with a chest complaint and following tests, doctors have advised the Inchicore favourite to retire from competitive sport.

“It is with great regret that St Patrick’s Athletic FC announces the retirement of its Ugandan international, Charles Mbabazi Livingstone. Last Friday, during the league match with Bohemians, the player felt very unwell and was brought to St James’ Hospital where he underwent rigorous tests.

"While the player has recovered fully and was well enough to leave hospital today, the medical advice was that he should retire from competitive sport."

The Chairman of St Patrick’s Athletic, Andy O’Callaghan, said the club’s only concern was for the player’s well being.

“Charles has been a wonderful servant of this club. 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 doctors 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 will retain his services in a coaching and promotional capacity.”

St Patrick’s Athletic manager Eamonn Collins acknowledged that the loss of such an influential player was significant in the week of a Cup final.

“He brought something a bit special and would have helped our cause on Sunday. However, I concur fully with the Chairman that what matters most is that Charles is well and in a position to establish a new career in Ireland. Everyone at this club will do their best to help him on that road.”

eircom League Chairman Brendan Dillon also paid tribute to the player.

“He will be missed not only by those connected with St Patrick’s Athletic but by all eircom League supporters. I and all the eircom League officials and staff would like to wish Charles and his family every success for the future.”

Meanwhile former Republic of Ireland international Keith O’Neill has been forced to retire from football because of a long-standing back injury.

O’Neill has been dogged by injuries all through his career and his last comeback appearance in a reserve game for Coventry City ended in another breakdown after which the 27-year-old decided to call it a day.

“I feel robbed of my best footballing years, but I have been lucky enough to live out a dream for the last ten. I have also been fortunate enough to work alongside the world’s best players and managers.

“And finally, I retire content that I have had the opportunity to play football for the greatest nation in the world.’

The striker made 13 appearances for Ireland between 1996 and 1999, scoring four goals.