Dillon Quirke Foundation releases massive screening figures ahead of anniversary weekend
The Dillon Quirke Foundation has screened thousands of athletes
Dillon Quirke Foundation has released its impact statistics to mark the second anniversary of the untimely passing of the Clonoulty Rossmore and Tipperary hurler.
A charity set up to reduce the number of young people dying from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) has provided cardiac screening for over 7,000 young people so far this year.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation said that screenings have been conducted in every county in Ireland – in partnership with 161 sports clubs – including GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts clubs.
The charity was established by the family of Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke, who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022.
Its aims are to promote awareness of the importance of cardiac screening in preventing SADS, and to provide cardiac screening opportunities for young people nationwide, working in partnership with Advanced Medical Services (AMS), a provider of onsite medical services.
From a representative sample (of 4,916), just over two per cent of those screened by the charity so far this year were recommended for follow-up cardiology tests post-screening. These tests have included echocardiograms, cardiac electrophysiologist reviews, cardiology reviews and stress tests.
This weekend, the Quirke family will mark Dillon’s second anniversary. Commenting in advance of the anniversary, Dillon’s father, Dan Quirke, said: “At the beginning of 2024, the Dillon Quirke Foundation set the ambitious target of screening at least 10,000 young people this year. With five months left in the year, we are delighted to have reached over 70 per cent of our target already.
“We know these screenings are helping to save lives. They can detect cardiac abnormalities and those affected can receive appropriate medical treatment and support at an early stage. Our whole purpose as a Foundation is to reduce the numbers of young people dying from SADS in Ireland. We want no family to go through the heartbreak we experienced two years ago.”
Around 100 young people in Ireland die each year from SADS. The charity targets its screenings at adolescents aged 12-18.
“As we approach Dillon’s second anniversary this weekend, I’d like to thank all of the sporting organisations and local clubs that have supported us in the roll-out of this vital screening programme,” Mr Quirke added. “The Foundation has created a lasting legacy for Dillon, and it is already having an impact on the lives of young people across Ireland.”
An anniversary mass for Dillon Quirke will be held this Saturday in Rossmore, Co. Tipperary. To find out more and to support the Dillon Quirke Foundation, visit www.dillonquirkefoundation.com.