Tipp’s Final Run Honours Lost Star, Fuels Lifesaving Legacy

Parents find bittersweet solace in team’s success while championing heart screening

The roar of the crowd after Tipperary’s All-Ireland final victory was met with tears from **Dan** and **Hazel Quirke**, their thoughts naturally turning to their son, **Dillon**. His teammates, his beloved county, were on the cusp of glory, a moment **Dillon**, tragically lost at 24, would have cherished.

A Father’s Reflection Amidst Victory

“The two of us were in tears, to be honest,” **Dan** shared, his voice thick with emotion. “Because obviously we’d have loved **Dillon** to be there. It was great for Tipp to win. And all those young guys in the team are great buddies.” He spoke of the profound difficulty of witnessing the team’s success at Croke Park, especially seeing **Craig Morgan** wear the number five, **Dillon’s** former jersey.

“Life is full of rollercoasters, as we all know. **Hazel** and myself found the day particularly difficult. Because we were in Croke Park and Tipp were going well. I’d spoken to **Craig Morgan** the previous week and **Craig** has been wearing number five now, which **Dillon** had worn. It was beautiful to see that because he’s a lovely young fella.”

—Dan Quirke

The impending third anniversary of **Dillon’s** death hangs heavy. He collapsed during a club match in August 2022 from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS), a loss that deeply affected the nation. **Dillon**, then 24, was a standout player for Tipperary, a rare bright spark in a challenging season.

“The pain is different as you go along. Maybe it doesn’t come around as often. But then when you go to matches like that semi-final, **Dillon** comes back into it.”

—Dan Quirke

**Dan** cherishes the memories of traveling the world with his son, sharing a passion for sports. “I had a beautiful relationship with **Dillon** because we travelled the world together, watching rugby and soccer and GAA,” he reflected. “We were like brothers.”

The Dillon Quirke Foundation: A Lifesaving Mission

In the wake of their grief, **Dan** and **Hazel** established the Dillon Quirke Foundation. They sold their delicatessen business, channeling their energy into a cause that honors their son’s memory: providing heart screening for anyone playing sport in Ireland. To date, the foundation has raised an impressive €2 million in just over two and a half years.

The foundation’s impact is profound, with **Dan** recounting calls from grateful parents whose children’s lives were saved through screening. “I know that we’ve saved lives in the last 2½ years,” he stated. “I feel he’s pushing me on to make this a success.”

The foundation aims to screen 50,000 young athletes over five years, a critical step in combating SADS. Italy saw a nearly 90% reduction in SADS deaths after implementing similar screening programs, demonstrating its effectiveness. As of 2023, an estimated 300,000 teenagers participate in sports across Ireland, highlighting the urgent need for wider awareness and screening.

Hope and Remembrance in Portrush

Despite the ongoing pain, **Dan** and **Hazel** are finding a measure of peace through their philanthropic work. They are currently in Portrush, taking a brief respite to enjoy golf, a testament to their resilience. Their thoughts remain with the Tipperary team as they prepare for the final, a bittersweet experience for the grieving parents.

“There’s a lovely connection there, still, within the Tipperary set-up. I know they carry a picture of **Dillon** with them when they go to the matches. It would be amazing if we can do it. When you’re in a final, you want to win and I think we’ve a great chance. It’s going to be difficult. But please God we’ll enjoy the match and won’t feel too emotional.”

—Dan Quirke