Main pic: Gathered at the recent Tipperary Association Dublin event was the Quirke family – Dan, Hazel, Shannon and Kelly.
Almost 300 young people across Donegal have benefited from free cardiac screening this year, thanks to the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
The charity was established following the death of the Tipperary hurler in 2022 to reduce the number of young people dying from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).
A total of 270 screenings were carried out in six clubs in Donegal. The clubs were Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon (two screenings), Milford Utd FC, Cloughaneely GAA, Gaoth Dobhair GAA Club and Glenswilly GAA Club.
The foundation announced last week that 10,128 cardiac screenings have been conducted in every county in Ireland in partnership with 275 sports clubs, including GAA, soccer, rugby, boxing and performing arts.
The charity was set up in honour of Dillon Quirke who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022. On average, 100 young people in Ireland die each year from SADS, a rate much higher than that reported in other EU countries. In an effort to reduce this number, the Foundation aims to promote awareness of the importance of cardiac screening in preventing SADs and to provide cardiac screening for young people nationwide. The screenings are carried out by Advanced Medical Services (AMS), a provider of onsite medical services.
Among those who have been assessed by the Foundation’s screening provider this year, 243 people have been advised to undergo follow-up cardiology tests post-screening. This makes up 2.46% of those who have been screened by the Foundation to date. The follow-up testing 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, that may have saved lives.
The Foundation has ambitious plans for 2025 with a focus on raising vital funds to allow them to continue screening young athletes in Donegal and across the country.
Commenting on the Foundation’s first year in operation, Dan Quirke, founder, said: “At the start of 2024, the Foundation ambitiously set a goal of screening 5,000 individuals within the year. We are delighted to have surpassed this target by more than double. We know these screenings are helping to save lives. They can detect cardiac abnormalities and those affected can receive appropriate medical treatment and support at an early stage.
“The Foundation would like to sincerely thank those in Donegal who have attended screenings, the people who have trusted us to screen them and their loved ones, and the sporting organisations and local clubs that have facilitated us in the roll-out of this vital screening programme. Thank you to our supporters and advocates in Donegal who have donated to our cause or organised fundraisers big and small, and to our inaugural corporate partner Abbott who continue to generously support our mission. We could not have reached this milestone without your support.”
To learn more about the Dillon Quirke Foundation or to make a donation, please visit dillonquirkefoundation.com
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