'Dillon epitomised all that is good in sport' - Tributes paid to Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke

The President, Taoiseach and former Tipperary hurling manager Liam Sheedy are among those who have paid tribute to the 24-year-old

A gifted hurler, Dillon Quirke was a substitute on the county’s 2016 All-Ireland winning team. Picture: INPHO/Bryan Keane

Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke has tragically passed away after playing for his club Clonoulty-Rossmore in Thurles on Friday evening.

Quirke, 24, was tended to by medics having collapsed before half-time in the senior championship game against Kilruane McDonaghs in FBD Semple Stadium.

He was stretchered off the field and brought to hospital. The game was abandoned as the seriousness of Quirke’s state became apparent.

Tipperary GAA’s official Twitter account confirmed at the time: “Tonight’s FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling game between Clonoulty Rossmore and Kilruane MacDonaghs has been called off by the referee and Tipperary GAA following an injury to a player.” 

Quirke claimed a senior county title with Clonoulty-Rossmore in 2018 as well as an U20 All-Ireland crown before being called up to the Tipperary senior hurling panel the following season. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

A gifted hurler, Quirke was a substitute on the county’s 2016 All-Ireland winning team. He claimed a senior county title with Clonoulty-Rossmore in 2018 as well as an U20 All-Ireland crown before being called up to the Tipperary senior hurling panel the following season when he claimed an All-Ireland medal as a panel member.

He broke into the team in this year’s championship, starting all four of the county’s Munster matches. Quirke last month captained his club to their 23rd West Tipperary title.

The Taoiseach has said he is “shocked and saddened” by Quirke's sudden passing.

Micheál Martin in a post on Twitter said: “Shocked and saddened by the passing of Dillon Quirke.

“My deepest sympathies to all his family, friends, his teammates and all the community in Tipperary.”

President Michael D Higgins has offered his condolences. 

"As President of Ireland, I wish to express my deepest sympathies on the passing of Dillon Quirke. 

This is an inestimable loss not only to his family and friends but to his entire community to which he was making such a contribution. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

Liam Sheedy, who brought him onto the senior panel for the 2019 season, paid tribute to Quirke on Twitter: “Dillon was a smashing person on and off the pitch and all of the GAA family are numb at the news tonight. My thoughts and prayers are with Dan, Hazel and all of the family.” 

Tipperary GAA released the following statement: “Tipperary GAA extends its heartfelt and sincere sympathies to Dan, Hazel, Shannon, Kellie and the extended Quirke family. Also, to the Clonoulty Rossmore GAA Club and his teammates on the sad and tragic passing of Clonoulty Rossmore and Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke.

“Dillon became ill during Friday evening’s County Senior Hurling Championship game between Clonoulty Rossmore and Kilruane MacDonaghs in Semple Stadium and was taken to Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel where he passed away.

“Tipperary GAA wish to thank all those who attended to Dillon in Semple Stadium and in Tipperary University Hospital this evening.”

South Tipperary GAA said he was “taken far too young”. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

All games in the county this weekend have been called as a mark of respect.

The Gaelic Players Association mourned the player’s loss, saying he would “stay forever young”.

In a post on Twitter, the association said: “The family, friends & teammates of Dillon Quirke are foremost in the thoughts of players across Ireland.

“We can’t imagine your pain but will walk with you & support you in any way we can.

“Rest easy Dillon. We mourn your loss & celebrate your life. You will stay forever young.” 

South Tipperary GAA said he was “taken far too young”.

In a post on Twitter, it said: “The thoughts of everyone connected with South Tipperary GAA are with everyone in Clonoulty-Rossmore tonight on the tragic passing of Dillon Quirke. Taken far too young. RIP.”

Munster GAA Chairman Ger Ryan expressed his deep sadness.

“Dillon was an outstanding player who excelled at school, club and county level. 

Dillon epitomised all that is good in sport displaying skill, courage and sportsmanship in abundance, winning many accolades during his all too brief hurling career. 

"On behalf of Munster GAA and all Gaels in the Province, we extended our heartfelt condolences to Dillon’s parents, Dan and Hazel, his sisters Shannon & Kellie, his wide circle of family and friends and all those involved with Dillon as team-mates and colleagues at club and county level at this most difficult of times for all concerned. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”

GAA President Larry McCarthy has also offered his sympathies to the family and friends of Dillon.

“There is a huge sense of shock across the GAA Community at the tragic loss of Dillon who had already achieved so much in his young life.

“He was a young man in his prime with so much potential and promise and on behalf of the GAA family I would like to extend my sympathies to Dillon’s father and mother, Dan and Hazel, and his sisters, Shannon and Kellie, at what is an unimaginably difficult time.”