Family bids to help save young lives in honour of Dillon
Aim to fund early cardiac screening to prevent SADS
A FAMILY who lost an up-andcoming GAA star to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome has launched a campaign to prevent the dozens of similar tragedies which occur each year in Ireland.
Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke was only 24 when he collapsed and died of SADS during a match in Semple Stadium, Thurles, on August 5, 2022.
Yesterday his family – parents Dan and Hazel, and sisters Shannon and Kellie – launched the Dillon Quirke Foundation to “reduce the number of young people in Ireland dying from SADS”.
A spokesperson said: “The foundation has a long-term vision, including plans to fund cardiac screening opportunities for young people aged 12 to 18 years across Ireland.
“On average, 100 young people die in Ireland each year because of SADS.
“Cardiac screening can help prevent SADS by identifying heart conditions at an early stage before they cause symptoms.”
Awareness of SADS has increased in the 20 years since Tyrone All-ireland winner Cormac Mcanallen died suddenly, also aged just 24, on March 2, 2004.
Dillon was captaining his club Clonoulty-rossmore in a championship match against Kilruane Mcdonaghs when he died.
Former Ireland footballer Niall Quinn will chair the foundation. And speaking at its launch yesterday, Dillon’s dad Dan sought to raise awareness of SADS, along with other speakers such as Galway hurling manager and former Kilkenny player Henry Shefflin.
They were joined by Advanced Medical Services medical director Dr Alan Byrne and Cork hurler Michael Cahalane, who was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2014.
Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally, who was treated for a heart condition after being screened this year, also spoke, as did concerned parent Tom Boland.
Tom’s daughter Niamh plays on the U17 Tipperary camogie team and was diagnosed with two cardiac conditions linked to SADS.
The foundation wants nationwide cardiac screenings for under18s in memory of Dillon.
The spokesperson said: “Through a partnership with Advanced Medical Services, a provider of onsite medical services, the Dillon Quirke Foundation plans to screen at least 10,000 young people aged 12 to 18 this year.
“The initial focus will be on those who play GAA, soccer and rugby.
“It has already provided screenings to more than 1,200 young competitors as part of a pilot programme in recent months and expects to have screened over 1,300 by the end of this month.” Dillon’s dad Dan said: “After Dillon’s death, it didn’t take us long to discover how many young people in Ireland die from SADS every year.
“We have set up the foundation in Dillon’s memory to create more
understanding nationally how cardiac screening can help save lives, and to provide free screening opportunities for young people.
“We are very grateful to all those who have donated to and supported the foundation since our establishment.
He added: “Ultimately, we hope that Dillon’s legacy will be that every young person in this country will have access to Governmentfunded screening for their heart.
“And that cardiac screening becomes a requirement for all underage players. This is the ambition of the foundation over a fiveyear period.
“While we wait for the Government and the national sports bodies to take action, we are filling this gap ourselves – by funding free screening nationwide.”
For more information on the Dillion Quirke Foundation, the cardiac screening, and SADS awareness it promoted, or to donate to the charity, visit dillonquirkefoundation.com.