Dillon Quirke Foundation charity officially launched ar event in Dublin

The Quirke family officially launched the Dillon Quirke Foundation in honour of their late son and brother Dillon in Buswell's Hotel in Dublin on Tuesday morning.

The registered charity is aiming to reduce the number of young people in Ireland dying from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and Dan Quirke, father of Dillon, along with Tanaisté Michéal Martin, outlined the foundation’s long-term vision for screening 12 to 18-year-olds across the country.

Dan was also joined at the launch of the foundation by chair and former Ireland international Niall Quinn, Galway manager and Kilkenny legend Henry Shefflin - whose brother Paul passed away while running in 2022 - and Bandon hurler Michael Cahalane who was diagnosed with a heart condition in 2014.

Also in attendance were two people who have already benefitted from the free screenings, with Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally, who was diagnosed with a heart condition in February this year after a cardiac screening along with Niamh Boland from Nenagh who was diagnosed with two cardiac conditions linked to SADS.

Screenings continue to take place around Ireland, with a cardiac screening event for young players, organised by the Dillon Quirke Foundation, also taking place on Tuesday at Na Fianna sports grounds in Glasnevin.