John Ojo 1989-2014

Of Nigerian heritage and London childhood, but reared in Blanchardstown, John Ojo was a student at Griffith College when he first signed for the Munchies. He was one of a number of Griffith students to hook up with Hot Press, alongside Brazilians Anderson de Souza and Rodrigo Santos, as well as Kase Bukhatwa, Martin Agbaso and recent signing Yvan Pierret amongst others.

During the week, John - who featured upfront for the Munchies on and off over the past four years - was playing in a five-a-side kick-about. His good friend Chinedum Arize - a superb footballer who has also starred with Hot Press and is a student in the College of Surgeons - was also playing. There is no easy way of reporting what happened. The game was going full tilt when, out of the blue, John collapsed. He was described as having a seizure. Chinedum, as a medical student, administered CPR in an attempt to resuscitate him. But there was nothing that could be done. Despite his efforts and that of the ambulance unit who arrived quickly, John died, almost certainly a victim of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.

To deepen the terrible sadness, John's sister died last year, in similar circumstances.
"John was a fantastic character," Hot Press editor and player manager of Hot Press Munchengladbach, Niall Stokes, said. "He was a big, strong, hard guy - the kind of player you hate playing against. He was built like a very streamlined tank - and he was exceptionally quick. In fact if his finishing had been just a little bit better, he could easily have played professional football - and probably would have.

"But away from the football pitch he was also a highly intelligent and successful guy. He finished his degree last year and had begun to work in Financial Services. He was also a DJ and an aspiring mixer and producer, who was constantly listening to music and absorbing new influences. He had a big smile and a loud, infectious laugh, making him a great person to be around. And he was a very sharp dresser, the kind of guy who always looked the business. It is shocking - and terrible - to see all of that talent and potential lost forever."

This is not the first time that Hot Press has mourned the loss of one of its players. Brian Barr, one of the most prolific strikers ever to play with the club, collapsed and died on the pitch in a pre-season friendly back in August 1998.
"We have never forgotten Brian, and the part he played with Hot Press Munchengladbach," Niall Stokes added. "But on an occasion like this, the memories come flooding back. It is a very traumatic experience, to see a player collapse and die on the pitch. And of course it is devastating for the family to lose someone so young - in what seems like a potentially avoidable way. It has happened to professional footballers and so clearly the risk is not always easy to identify. But it is something that the medical profession needs to look at, so that more effective policies can be put in place."

Our hearts go out to John's family and to his closest friends. His huge personality touched us all and we will miss him hugely. May he rest in peace.

Video - Classic John Ojo, in his most recent appearance for Hot Press Munchengladbach, the cheeky wink and grin as he strides on the field of play.