Galway manager and Kilkenny great Henry Shefflin attends launch of new charity set up in memory of Tipp hurler

Galway manager and Kilkenny great Henry Shefflin was speaking on a panel at the official launch of the Dillon Quirke Foundation at Buswells Hotel, Dublin, this week sharing his support, as a manager and player, for cardiac screening.

On average, 100 young people die in Ireland each year because of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Many of these deaths could be prevented by identifying heart conditions at an early stage – before they cause symptoms – through cardiac screening. That’s according to Dan Quirke, father of Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke, who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022.

Set up by the Quirke family in memory of their son, the Foundation is a registered charity aiming to reduce the number of young people in Ireland dying from SADS. Through a partnership with Advanced Medical Services (AMS), 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, with an initial focus 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.

“After Dillon’s death, it didn’t take us long to discover how many young people in Ireland die from SADS every year. Most of these deaths occur in those who participate in high intensity sports and could be prevented with better public awareness of the condition and the benefits of cardiac screening from a young age,” said Mr Quirke. “We have set up the Foundation in Dillon’s memory to create more understanding nationally of how cardiac screening can help save lives, and to provide free screening opportunities for young people.

“Our work would not be possible without the support of people across the country – sporting bodies, grassroots sports clubs, high-profile players, funders, parents and, of course, young people themselves. We are very grateful to all those who have donated to and supported the Foundation since our establishment, and we want to continue to raise funds to allow us to expand our reach and grow our free screening programme." 

Omnibus research conducted by the Dillon Quirke Foundation in January shows widespread public support for cardiac screening of young people. More than 4 in 5 (83%) believe there should be free cardiac screening provided to those aged 12 to 18, with the figure increasing to 88% among parents with children engaged in sport. The research also shows that 71% of the Irish population are aware of SADS, however, less than 22% fully understand what it is, and close to 1 in 3 (29%) have only heard the name or aren’t aware of the condition at all.

Screenings
Former Ireland international Niall Quinn is the chair of the Dillon Quirke Foundation. Speaking at the launch, he said that there is no doubt that cardiac screening saves lives.

“In Italy, all individuals who participate in sports that require regular training and competition must – by law – undergo cardiac screening every year. This has led to an 89% reduction in deaths from SADS since the law was introduced in 1982. Just imagine: if we established a similar system to Italy, we could save 89 lives every year," Mr Quirke said.

“With this in mind, we are calling on the Government to provide free cardiac screening for all young people. And we are calling on the National Governing Bodies of high-intensity sports to make screening mandatory for young competitors – in the same way that wearing a helmet or other protective gear is mandatory for certain sports.”

“Ultimately, we hope that Dillon’s legacy will be that every young person in this country will have access to Government-funded screening for their heart, and that cardiac screening becomes a requirement for all underage players. This is the ambition of the Foundation over a five-year 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.”

The launch event was addressed by Dan Quirke and Niall Quinn, as well as a panel comprised of medical director with AMS and the FAI, Dr Alan Byrne; Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally, who was diagnosed with a heart condition in February this year after a cardiac screening; Bandon hurler Michael Cahalane, who was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2014; and Tom Boland, whose daughter was diagnosed with two cardiac conditions linked to SADS. Attendees included members of the Oireachtas, the sporting and medical communities, and supporters of the charity, including employees from Abbott’s vascular business.

Earlier this year, employees at Abbott’s vascular business (Clonmel) selected the Dillon Quirke Foundation as their new charity partner. This two-year partnership will see Abbott employees fundraise for the charity. In March, the Dillon Quirke Foundation was selected as one of the six new PTSB Community Fund partners in 2024, representing the south and east region.

For further information, visit dillonquirkefoundation.com.