Dillon Quirke Foundation Golf Classic raises €12,000
Dan and Hazel Quirke, parents of the late Dillon Quirke, John, Marguerite, Ciara and Conor Haley, Amanda Moore, Suir Engineering and Ger Condon.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation Golf Classic, organised in honour of teenager Conor Haley, proved to be a remarkable success on Friday, September 26th, drawing widespread support from the local community and far beyond.
What began with the modest ambition of raising €6,000 quickly surpassed all expectations, with the final total doubling that amount.
The funds raised will directly support cardiac screenings for senior hurling and camogie players at Abbey Community College in Ferrybank, an initiative that could ultimately save lives.
The event was meticulously managed by Conor’s uncle, Ger Condon, who oversaw the smooth running of a competition that attracted 47 teams. Such a turnout highlighted both the popularity of the sport and the generosity of those eager to contribute to the cause.
Suir Engineering stepped forward as the main sponsor, while further crucial support came from tee-box sponsors and personal donations. Every contribution, large or small, combined to make the fundraiser one of the most memorable community sporting events of the year.
Behind the scenes, Conor’s parents, John and Marguerite Haley, devoted countless hours to ensuring the day went off without a hitch. Their dedication was evident to all, and they were richly rewarded by the overwhelming goodwill shown throughout the event.
In a fitting twist, it was Dan Quirke’s team that claimed victory on the day, adding a poignant connection between the two families whose stories have inspired the initiative.
At the prize-giving, John Tallon, captain of Waterford Golf Club, extended heartfelt thanks to players, sponsors, and volunteers alike. He also reflected on the tragedy that gave rise to the foundation: the passing of Dillon Quirke in August 2022 while representing his beloved Clonoulty-Rossmore at Semple Stadium, Thurles. Dillon’s untimely death was a devastating reminder of the hidden risks posed by undetected heart conditions in young athletes.
Representing the Quirke family, Dan Quirke spoke passionately about the foundation’s mission. He underlined the urgent need for widespread cardiac screenings for athletes aged 13–17, stressing that the initiative extends beyond GAA to include all sporting disciplines. The foundation’s impact has already been profound: in just three years, they have raised an astonishing €2.5 million and facilitated screenings for over 20,000 young people across 15 different sports.
Conor Haley expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the day’s success. He shared his experience of undergoing open-heart surgery nine months ago and how fortunate he felt to be back playing for his Ferrybank senior hurling team in July of this year. The fundraising efforts will continue with a hurling match scheduled for Friday, October 24, before the mid-term break. This match will pit Abbey Community College students against teachers at the Ferrybank GAA grounds, with some guest stars joining. More details will follow.
Dan Quirke’s team came out on top with 101 points. In second place was Trevor Buckley’s team with 98 points, followed by Paddy Mullaly’s team in third with 94 points. John Killeen’s team finished with 92 points on countback, while Billy O’Mara’s team also scored 92 points. Pat Lawless’s team, Gary Lynch’s team, and Joe Mulcair’s team each scored 89 points, with Lawless’s team placing higher on countback. Eamon Rice’s team finished just behind with 88 points, and John Murphy’s team rounded out the leaderboard with 87 points.
For the Nearest to Pin prizes, John Barron won on the 3rd hole, Paddy Mullaly on the 7th, John Maher on the 9th, Richie Power on the 13th, and Derek Campion on the 16th.
