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Everyone at Dundalk FC was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Karolis Chvedukas.
The Lithuanian international, who was affectionately dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’, joined Dundalk from Suduva in 2018 and made a total of 12 appearances for the club.
His lone goal came in an 8-0 win over Limerick at a snow-covered Oriel Park in February 2018.
After a brief spell with Waterford, Chvedukas also spent time at Maltese side Oratory Youths and Finnish outfit KPV Kokkola before returning to his native country with Marijampolė City.
Chvedukas’ passing was confirmed by the Lithuanian Football Federation on Monday. He was just 32 years of age.
Stephen O’Donnell lived with Chvedukas during his stay at Dundalk in 2018 and the Lilywhites head coach said he was stunned by the news.
“I lived with Karolis in Belfry Drive during his time in Dundalk,” said O’Donnell, “and it was terrible news to receive on Monday, really shocking, to be honest.
“You get hit with this sort of news every now and again… people you played with, and people you may have come across when you were younger dying, and it really sets you back.
“Karolis was a great character around the place. He was quiet but he had his personality. From a football point of view, he probably didn’t play as much as he would have liked here, but he was capped by Lithuania which shows the quality he had.
“It’s really shocking and the likes of myself, Patrick Hoban, John Mountney, Robbie Benson and Brian Gartland, who were playing here when Karolis was, along with everyone at the club, send our condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time.”
May he rest in peace.