Mayo footballer attends launch of new charity set up in memory of Tipp hurler

A Mayo footballer, who was recently diagnosed with a cardiac condition, has spoken about the importance of cardiac screening at the launch of Dillon Quirke Foundation.

Saoirse Lally highlighted the importance of getting checked out in order to reduce the number of deaths from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome and her support for the organisation.

The physiotherapy student from Westport was on a panel at the official launch of the Dillon Quirke Foundation, which aims to reduce the number of deaths from SADS, at the Buswells Hotel, Dublin.

One of the key measures the Dillon Quirke Foundation want to see implemented is the rollout of nationwide cardiac screenings for under-18s.

nationwide cardiac screenings for under-18s at Buswells Hotel, Dublin, this week sharing her support of the Foundation and 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.

Saoirse underwent cardiac screening in recent weeks.

She was subsequently diagnosed and treated for a cardiac condition that is linked to SADS. She spoke about the process of the screening and returning to training with the Mayo panel, only a few shorts weeks after being diagnosed, as well as the importance of cardiac screening for young people.

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."

Ms Quirke said their 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," she added.

Omnibus research conducted by the Dillon Quirke Foundation in January shows widespread public support for cardiac screening of young people.

More than four in five (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 one in three (29%) have only heard the name or aren’t aware of the condition at all.

Former Ireland international Niall Quinn is the chair of the Dillon Quirke Foundation.

Speaking at the launch, he stated 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," he said. "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 Quinn insisted with that in mind, they are calling on the Government to provide free cardiac screening for all young people.

"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," he added.

Mr Quirke stated ultimately, they 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," he added.

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; Galway manager and former Kilkenny player, Henry Shefflin; 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.