SETU partnership with Dillon Quirke Foundation marks step forward in athlete welfare

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.

The partnership recognises the importance of protecting young athletes while they train and compete at a high level and forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to leading the way in athlete welfare in higher education.

David Denieffe, Chief Operations Officer at SETU, said, “SETU places student health and wellbeing at the centre of this initiative. We look forward to working alongside our partners at the Dillon Quirke Foundation to coordinate screening, and we thank them for their invaluable contribution and commitment.”

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."

The Dillon Quirke Foundation is dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac deaths in young people. Its mission is to protect young athletes and their families from the devastation of SADS.

On average, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) takes 100 young lives in Ireland every year. Cardiac screening can help prevent SADS by identifying heart conditions at an early stage, even before they cause symptoms.

In Ireland, the syndrome is responsible for the deaths of around 100 young people each year. For athletes, the risk can be higher due to the physical strain sport places on the heart, highlighting the critical importance of early screening and detection. Raising awareness and promoting regular heart checks can make a real difference in preventing these tragic deaths.

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. With Ireland still without a nationwide cardiac screening programme, this partnership initiative supports the wellbeing of young athletes.

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. This proactive approach ensures our athletes can train and compete with confidence, knowing their health and safety are being looked after.