Dillon Quirke Foundation carries out over 10 thousand cardiac screenings in 2024

The charity set up by the family of the late Clonoulty-Rossmore and Tipperary hurler have visited 275 sports clubs across GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts.

Thu, 12 Dec, 2024 - 11:17

John Fogarty

The Dillon Quirke Foundation have carried out 10,128 cardiac screenings during the course of 2024, it has been confirmed.

The charity set up by the family of the late Clonoulty-Rossmore and Tipperary hurler have visited 275 sports clubs across GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts. The foundation aims to screen as much Irish young sports people as possible.

In conjunction with Cork-based Advanced Medical Services, a total of 243 cardiac abnormalities have been detected because of the programme provided and subsequent advice provided to undergo follow-up cardiology examinations.

It is estimated at least 100 people die a year from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

Breaking the 10,000 barrier had been an aim for the Quirke family and in 2025 the foundation will bolster their campaign to make screening mandatory for 12 to 18-year-olds involved in high-intensity sport when it has proven to save lives.

Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally and Niamh Boland at the launch of the Dillon Quirke Foundation

Earlier this year, Mayo senior ladies football captain Saoirse Lally underwent a heart procedure, a cardiac ablation, having been screened as part of the GPA's programme.

“The cardiac screening essentially saved my life,” she said.

For his work with his wife Hazel and daughters Shannon and Kellie, Dillon’s father Dan Quirke was last month honoured by the Tipperary Association of Dublin for his work: “For his foresight generosity, and commitment, to turning an enormous family tragedy into an extremely beneficial national healthcare initiative and for his resilience in vigorously promoting it, Dan Quirke is a worthy inductee into the Tipperary Association Dublin Hall of Fame.”

Dan Quirke, father of Dillon Quirke, with Tánaiste Micheál Martin at the official launch of the Dillon Quirke Foundation.

Dillon passed away in August 2022 while playing for his beloved Clonoulty-Rossmore in a senior championship game against Kilruane MacDonaghs in FBD Semple Stadium.

Earlier this year, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin committed to exploring ways of advancing the screening. Kilkenny hurling great Henry Shefflin is a member of the foundation’s board. Shefflin lost his brother Paul to SADS while out running in March 2022.