ONLY a week out from the start of the National Hurling League – of which Limerick are the holders – and John Kiely’s All-Ireland and Munster Senior Champions will have a worthy outing against great rivals Tipperary at Semple Stadium in Thurles on Sunday (2pm) for a very good cause.
All proceeds from the clash will go towards the Dillon Quirke Foundation.
Mr Quirke was just 24 when he collapsed during a hurling match with his beloved Clonoulty-Rossmore and died of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) in August 2022 at Semple Stadium.
The foundation was established by the young player’s family – parents Dan and Hazel, and sisters Shannon and Kellie – with the aim of funding widespread cardiac screening for young people (aged 12-18) involved in all sport.
“The sole intention of creating the foundation in Dillon’s name is to save lives,” Dan Quirke previously explained.
“SADS takes 100 young lives every year. €1million will screen 15,000 children and young adults. To put it simply, we don’t want parents to go through what Hazel and I have experienced. Screening has proven to work. We can’t think of a better legacy for Dillon.”
To date, the foundation has raised nearly €200,000 through around 2,500 donations, including a decent contribution of €500 from Monlaeen minor hurling team. Clubs across Limerick are encouraged to contribute €100 each to the foundation.
Limerick manager John Kiely and his counterpart Liam Cahill are expected to field strong teams this weekend. The sides will wear special commemorative jerseys for the occasion.
Entry is pitched at €20, with a tap-and-go an option on the day. Under-16s will enjoy free admission.
Conor Doyle of Silvermines (Tipperary) will officiate.
Donations can be made to the foundation on dillonquirkefoundation.com.
The Munster Senior League, in which Limerick were to play off with Cork this past weekend, to decide who would meet Waterford in the final, has been abandoned. Munster GAA said it had been difficult to arrange dates with the ill-fated Limerick-Cork tie already cancelled on three occasions.
Limerick’s opening league fixture is against Antrim at Sample Stadium in Thurles on Sunday February 4.
