Every week in Ireland, almost two young lives are lost to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Behind each statistic is a family, a community, and a future changed forever.
The Dillon Quirke Foundation was established with one clear mission: to reduce the number of young people dying from SADS by ensuring that young athletes across Ireland have access to free cardiac screening.
The Foundation was created in memory of Dillon Quirke, who tragically passed away at just 24 years old after collapsing while playing the sport he loved. Dillon’s legacy lives on through the Foundation’s commitment to protecting young athletes and preventing other families from experiencing a similar loss.
Since launching in 2024, the Dillon Quirke Foundation has screened more than 21,000 young athletes across Ireland, helping to identify previously unknown heart conditions and provide families with vital answers.
Early Detection Can Save Lives
One of the most significant findings from the Foundation’s screening programme is that approximately 1 in every 300 young people screened is identified with a serious cardiac condition requiring medical intervention.
These figures highlight the critical importance of accessible heart screening for young athletes, many of whom may appear healthy but could be carrying an undetected condition.
In 2025 alone, almost 10,000 young people took part in the Foundation’s screening programme. Of those:
- 2.83% required specialist cardiology follow-up
- 140 participants were referred to their GP for further investigation of non-cardiac health concerns
- 271 cardiology referrals have been made to date
- 12 significant cardiac conditions have been confirmed, with those young people receiving further specialist treatment, including cardiothoracic surgery, ablation procedures, and ongoing monitoring
Screenings took place in every county across Ireland throughout 2025, demonstrating the growing national reach of the Foundation’s life-saving work.
The funding raised by supporters directly enables this vital work, helping to deliver screening programmes, raise awareness, and provide young athletes and their families with reassurance and peace of mind.
A Screening That Changed Ellie’s Life
Behind every screening is a young person, a family, and a future that could look very different because of early detection.
Ellie’s story is a powerful example of why initiatives like the H&MV Charity Cycle matter.
At just 12 years old, Ellie began experiencing dizziness and heart palpitations while training. Initial medical checks showed no cause for concern, but through a cardiac screening organised by her local GAA club in partnership with the Dillon Quirke Foundation, Ellie was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome — a potentially serious heart condition that may otherwise have gone undetected.
Following treatment, Ellie is now back doing what she loves most: playing sport.
Her family believe that the screening gave Ellie the opportunity to receive treatment before her condition became life-threatening.
Stories like Ellie’s demonstrate the true impact of the Foundation’s work. Every screening represents a chance to identify a potential risk, provide support, and protect the future of a young athlete.
The Impact of the H&MV Charity Cycle
The H&MV Charity Cycle is about more than fundraising — it is about communities coming together to make a meaningful difference.
Funds raised through the event help support the Dillon Quirke Foundation’s ongoing screening and awareness programmes, ensuring more young athletes across Ireland can access potentially life-saving heart checks.
Through the continued support of partners, participants, and supporters, the Foundation can continue reaching more communities, protecting more young people, and helping families gain the reassurance that comes with knowing their hearts have been checked.
Speaking about the partnership, Dan Quirke from the Dillon Quirke Foundation said:
“H&MV Engineering has been an incredible supporter of the Dillon Quirke Foundation and we’re deeply grateful for the partnership we’ve built together. The Foundation was created with one goal in mind — to help prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak of losing a young person to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.
The continued support from H&MV Engineering is helping us raise both vital awareness and essential funding for cardiac screening programmes for young people across Ireland. Events like the Charity Cycle are about more than fundraising — they’re about communities coming together to protect young athletes and give families peace of mind. We’re incredibly proud and thankful to be part of it again this year.”
Continuing Dillon’s Legacy
Through the dedication of the Dillon Quirke Foundation and the support of organisations like H&MV Engineering, more young people are receiving the screenings that could change — or even save — their lives.
Together, we can continue building awareness, supporting early detection, and helping ensure that every young athlete has the opportunity to play the sport they love safely.
https://www.dillonquirkefoundation.com/
https://www.dillonquirkefoundation.com/get-screened
https://www.dillonquirkefoundation.com/supportus
