Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally attends launch of new charity
Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally has attended the launch of Dillon Quirke Foundation which aims to reduce number of deaths from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
On average, 100 young people die in Ireland each year because of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS).
Many of these deaths could be prevented by identifying heart conditions at an early stage – before they cause symptoms – through cardiac screening.
That’s according to Dan Quirke, father of Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke, who collapsed and died during a hurling match at Semple Stadium in August 2022.
Saoirse Lally, a physiotherapy student from Westport, underwent cardiac screening in recent weeks.
She was subsequently diagnosed and treated for a cardiac condition that is linked to SADS.
She spoke about the process of the screening and returning to training with the Mayo panel, only a few shorts weeks after being diagnosed, as well as the importance of cardiac screening for young people.
Set up by the Quirke family in memory of their son, the foundation is a registered charity aiming to reduce the number of young people in Ireland dying from SADS.
Through a partnership with Advanced Medical Services (AMS), a provider of onsite medical services, the Dillon Quirke Foundation plans to screen at least 10,000 young people aged 12 to 18 this year, with an initial focus on those who play GAA, soccer and rugby.
It has already provided screenings to more than 1,200 young competitors as part of a pilot programme in recent months and expects to have screened over 1,300 by the end of this month.
“After Dillon’s death, it didn’t take us long to discover how many young people in Ireland die from SADS every year.
"Most of these deaths occur in those who participate in high intensity sports and could be prevented with better public awareness of the condition and the benefits of cardiac screening from a young age,” said Mr Quirke.
“We have set up the foundation in Dillon’s memory to create more understanding nationally of how cardiac screening can help save lives, and to provide free screening opportunities for young people.
“Our work would not be possible without the support of people across the country – sporting bodies, grassroots sports clubs, high-profile players, funders, parents and, of course, young people themselves.
"We are very grateful to all those who have donated to and supported the foundation since our establishment, and we want to continue to raise funds to allow us to expand our reach and grow our free screening programme.”
Omnibus research conducted by the Dillon Quirke Foundation in January shows widespread public support for cardiac screening of young people.
More than 4 in 5 (83%) believe there should be free cardiac screening provided to those aged 12 to 18, with the figure increasing to 88% among parents with children engaged in sport.
The research also shows that 71% of the Irish population are aware of SADS, however, less than 22% fully understand what it is, and close to 1 in 3 (29%) have only heard the name or aren’t aware of the condition at all.