L-R Dan Quirke, Hazel, Shannon and Kellie – parents and sisters of the late Dillon Quirke
Over 10,000 young people have benefited from cardiac screening this year because of the Dillon Quirke Foundation – the charity established to reduce the number of young people dying from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). The Foundation is confirming that 10,128 cardiac screenings have been conducted in every county in Ireland in partnership with 275 sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts clubs.The Foundation was set up in honour of Dillon Quirke, from Clonoulty, who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022.
On average, 100 young people in Ireland die each year from SADS. The screenings are carried out by Advanced Medical Services (AMS), a provider of onsite medical services. Among those who have been assessed by the Foundation’s screening provider this year, 243 people have been advised to undergo follow-up cardiology tests post-screening representing 2.46% of those who have been screened by the Foundation to date.
The Foundation has ambitious plans for 2025 with a focus on raising vital funds to allow them to continue screening young athletes and will continue their call to make screening mandatory for young people involved in sport.
Founder Dan Quirke, father of the late Dillon Quirke says “The Foundation would like to sincerely thank those who have attended screenings, the people who have trusted us to screen them and their loved ones, and the sporting organisations and local clubs that have facilitated us in the roll-out of this vital screening programme. Thank you to our supporters and advocates nationwide who have donated to our cause or organised fundraisers big and small, and to our inaugural corporate partner Abbott who continue to generously support our mission. We could not have reached this milestone without your support.” Full details of the Foundation can be found on the website www.DillonQuirkeFoundation.com.
