17-07-2025
Kerry launch of Dillon Quirke Foundation heart screenings
Kerryman
Killarney was chosen as the important venue this week by The Dillon Quirke Foundation when it launched its first cardiac screening initiative with athletes from Cycling Ireland.
Over the course of two days in Killarney, the Foundation – founded by the family of the young Tipperary hurler who collapsed and died during a match in 2022 – screened young cycling athletes for potential cardiac abnormalities from the Munster.
Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) takes 100 young lives in Ireland every year – deaths which could be prevented by early identification of heart conditions via cardiac screening.
Dan Quirke, father of Dillon and founder of the Foundation, stated the organisation is proud to be in Killarney to kick off cardiac screenings for Cycling Ireland athletes.
The screening is part of the Foundation's wider campaign to raise awareness of SADS and to increase the number of people getting themselves screened in Ireland.
'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.
'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,' he added.
'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,' Dan said.
In 2024, the Dillon Quirke Foundation caught cardiac abnormalities in 243 of the 10,128 young people it screened.
These individuals were advised to undergo follow-up cardiology tests post-screening which can include echocardiograms, cardiac electrophysiologist reviews, cardiology reviews and stress tests.
The effective screenings allow for early detection of potentially life-threatening conditions, which has led to timely interventions, including surgeries, which may have saved lives.
Stephen Griffin, Munster Regional Development Officer for Cycling Ireland, said cardiac screening is a quick and easy way to keep young cyclists safe, and can cost less than the price of a new helmet.
'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,' Stephen said.
