EDITORIAL: Viewers in Australia, Dubai, USA and around the world logged on to live stream
Touching tribute to late Dillon Quirke
When Tipperary and Kilkenny took the field last Sunday, Dillon Quirke was in the minds of all those there.
His young life was cut short by S.A.D.S (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome) on the field of play in last year’s Tipperary club championship.
Dillon’s passing caused untold pain for all who knew him but even now he plays a role in raising awareness.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation game last Sunday was a huge success in terms of alerting people to the dangers and in raising funds to screen all young GAA players over the age of 12 in Ireland.
The aim of the foundation is that people with a heart condition will be detected through this screening programme.
To ensure what happened to Dillon will save lives in the future is a noble goal and the Foundation aims to ensure the Italian model becomes the norm in Ireland.
In Italy, their mandatory cardiac screening is estimated to reduce S.A.D.S. by 89% over a 25-year period.
The mammoth task undertaken by Dillon’s parents, Dan and Hazel; as well as others that have played major roles, such as former Ireland soccer International Niall Quinn and Andrew Fryday of Clonoulty/Rossmore GAA club, is one to be commended.
Viewers in Australia, Dubai and the USA and other countries around the world logged on to the live stream of the game to remember Dillon while the sizable attendance in Thurles were treated to a glimpse of what both counties have to offer this summer.
The beautiful commemorative programme was filled with stories about Dillon’s young but fulfilling life.
After the game, Tipperary manager Liam Cahill pointed out what an emotional day it was for his players and while Tipp were beaten on the scoreboard, the real winner was the Dillon Quirke Foundation and the momentum now to make a positive change in the lives of young people in Ireland.