7,000 cardiac screenings provided by Dillon Quirke Foundation

Two years after Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), a foundation set up in his memory has provided cardiac screenings to 7,000 young people across 26 counties.

Mr Quirke was 24 years old when he collapsed and died on 5 August 2022 in Semple Stadium, Thurles, while captaining his club, Clonoulty/Rossmore, in a championship match against Kilruane McDonaghs.

The Dillon Quirke Foundation was set up in honour of him and also to raise awareness around SADS.

Dan Quirke, Dillon's father and founder of the foundation, said that the work being done is very important.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said the foundation has a five-year target, but their larger ambition would involve Government backing.

"We had quite a few ministers and TDs at our lunch in April ... and they promised us what we are doing is the right thing and they will come in behind us when the time is right."

Mr Quinn explained that sports clubs contact the foundation and Advanced Medical Services Cork conduct the cardiac screenings.

Questionnaires are then issued to parents and sent back to Advanced Medical Services. The heart scan takes roughly 20 minutes, he added.

"It is great for us that we know that Dillon is making a big difference to other children's lives."

In the 18 months since the foundation has been established 7,000, young people have been screened.

"It is a tremendous tribute to Dillon. We started out in December 2022, our ambition was to get 5,000 screened in the first year, but technically, that has reached over 7,000 now, and we think we will hit 10,000 before the year is out."

Mr Quirke said the success of the foundation is thanks to the fundraisers across the country.

"We started probably as a GAA foundation,