New programme in SETU launched in memory of Dillon Quirke
Pictured, from left, SETU Sports Scholars, Adam Nolan, Orla Dullaghan and Darragh Vereker are pictured with Mike Geoghegan, CEO at Novus, SETU Campus Services; Michael Harrison, Head of Department of Sport and Exercise Science, SETU; Dan Quirke, CEO and Founder, Dillon Quirke Foundation; Katie Redmond, Sports and Societies Manager at Novus, and Donal McNally, Director of Sport, SETU. Photo: Patrick Browne
Dillon Quirke was just 24 years old when he collapsed and died in August 2022 while playing the sport he loved. He was a promising hurler at both club and county level.
In light of this tragedy, South East Technological University (SETU), in partnership with the Dillon Quirke Foundation, has launched a sudden adult death syndrome (SADS) screening pilot initiative as part of the SETU sports scholarship programme in 2026.
Dan Quirke, founder, Dillon Quirke Foundation, said: "The Dillon Quirke Foundation was established to ensure no family has to endure the heartbreak of losing a young person to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
"Our partnership with SETU is exactly the kind of proactive, meaningful action that will save lives. By providing cardiac screening to sports scholars, we are giving young athletes the best possible chance to pursue their passions safely.
"We are proud to stand alongside SETU in making athlete welfare a priority and hope this initiative inspires similar action across higher education in Ireland."
Like many, Dillon's family didn't know what Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) was until it visited their home. In their grief, they set up the foundation in Dillon's name to raise awareness and protect other young people and their families from the devastation of SADS. The foundation is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac deaths in young people.
On average, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) takes 100 young lives in Ireland every year. For athletes, the risk can be higher due to the physical strain sport places on the heart.
In Italy, where cardiac screening has been in place for competitive athletes for many years, deaths linked to SADS have fallen significantly. Sporting and medical organisations, such as the GAA, World Rugby, and the European Society of Cardiology all support regular screening for young athletes. Ireland does not currently have a nationwide cardiac screening programme.
During the first year of this initiative, the two organisations aim to provide free cardiac screening for up to 135 sports scholars.
SETU has introduced mandatory cardiac screening for all sports scholars, with follow-up screenings arranged in consultation with the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
