Latest news with #DillonQuirkeFoundation
Irish Independent
10-07-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It's vitally important' – Dillon Quirke Foundation launches cardiac screening for young cyclists in bid to prevent SADS
Screenings by the charity last year detected cardiac abnormalities in 243 of 10,128 athletes A cardiac screening initiative has been launched today in Killarney, Co Kerry, to assess the heart health of young athletes in a bid to prevent Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Every year, 100 young people under 40 die of SADS in Ireland due to an undetected heart defect. The Dillon Quirke Foundation – set up in honour of the 24-year-old Tipperary hurler who collapsed and died during a match in 2022 – is launching the initiative which will screen 90 of Munster's 168 young cyclists aged between 14 and 18 for cardiac abnormalities. 'Since starting the Foundation, we've seen remarkable progress in the level of cardiac screening across GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts and sports clubs nationwide,' said Dan Quirke, father of the late Dillon. 'We are committed to broadening our reach and expertise across more clubs and sporting bodies and expanding into the cycling community marks a crucial step in raising awareness of the prevalence of SADS and the serious heart conditions that often go undetected. 'It's vitally important for young people, regardless of their sporting and fitness abilities, to understand their heart health and screening is a simple, quick and painless way to protect yourself and your loved ones.' Last year, the Foundation managed to detect cardiac abnormalities in 243 of the 10,128 young people it screened. The individuals in question were advised to undergo follow-up cardiology tests including echocardiograms, cardiac electrophysiologist reviews, cardiology reviews and stress tests. Stephen Griffin, Munster Regional Development Officer for Cycling Ireland, said: 'At Cycling Ireland, we are dedicated to promoting and enhancing the sport of cycling by supporting the health and wellbeing of all our members, especially our junior and youth athletes. Describing the process as 'a quick and easy' method that 'can cost less than the price of a new helmet', Griffin continued: 'Initiatives like this play an important role in raising awareness about the value of early cardiac screening in helping to prevent Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. "We support all young athletes taking proactive steps in monitoring their heart health and we are encouraged by the work The Dillon Quirke Foundation does.'
Irish Independent
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Memorial for young Wexford man teams up with Dillon Quirke foundation for golf classic
Over 200 golfers competed for the Anthony Rochford Memorial trophy, which was played in aid of the Dillon Quirke Foundation, organised by members of Sydney Shamrocks and Geraldine O' Hanrahan's GAA clubs, that will also benefit from some of the proceeds. 'It was wonderful to see a full timesheet and such generosity shown by those who played and turned up again at New Ross Golf Club for the third outing,' said John Rochford. 'We are delighted that the classic in memory of Anthony is so well considered and supported and that this worthwhile cause will benefit from it.' The Dillon Quirke Foundation was chosen as the charity this year, given the GAA links with the organising group. 'The Foundation has already screened 10,000 young sports players for cardiac issues, and we felt this was an appropriate link, given Anthony's passion for hurling having played with Geraldine O 'Hanrahan's, Wexford Minors, Lucan Sarsfields and Sydney Shamrocks. "Hopefully the money we raised, along with all the other supporters of the Foundation, will help identify and deter Sudden Adult Death Syndrome among healthy young people by early screening,' John said. 'We were delighted that Dan Quirke, Dillon's father, joined us on the day, along with Tipperary All Ireland hurling greats, Declan Ryan and Joe Hayes,' he added. Anthony's mother and father, Ann and Sean Rochford, along with members of the family, were in attendance at New Ross Golf Club clubhouse for the presentation of prizes, and the first prize of a fourball in Ballybunion Golf Club in Co Kerry, was won by Willie Whitty, Jimmy Ryan, James Wallace and Willie Kelly. 'We would like to thank all our players, sponsors and those who assisted with the logistics of the 2025 Golf Classic, for their participation and for raising in excess of €12,000 for the various recipients. We also thank New Ross Golf Club for being such generous and gracious hosts and look forward already to a return there in 2026,' John concluded.
