Monasterevin brings awareness to SADS with screening event

SOME 45 young adults benefited from early detection screening for Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) at Monasterevin GFC.

The screening event, hosted by Knit & Natter Group and Mercy Convent in conjunction with the Dillon Quirke Foundation, screened a group of young people for the condition which has been known to affect healthy, active people. Clinical Coordinator, Holly Morrissey from Advanced Medical Services (AMS) led the screenings.

Dillon Quirke, a talented 24-year-old hurler, tragically died from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2022, prompting his family to establish a foundation to raise awareness and promote cardiac screening. Since then, the initiative has screened nearly 20,000 young athletes, helping detect heart conditions early and save lives.

As one person from Knit & Natter group said: "If we save one life by promoting the screening wouldn’t that be amazing."

While a young man who was screened said:”It was grand, efficient, staff fantastic, welcoming, I’m happy to have done the screening so I know I’m fine playing sports."

David, chair of Monasterevin GFC, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with the Dillon Quirke Foundation and bring this vital cardiac screening programme to our club.

“The health and wellbeing of our young players will always come first, and this initiative provides families with an opportunity to identify potential heart conditions before they become serious. The work being carried out by the foundation in Dillon’s memory is truly remarkable, and even if one life is protected through screening, then it is worth every effort.

“"Also a big thank you to Srs. Angela & Ann for opening up their home, (the convent) to allow us to host this. And a special thanks to Knit & Natter Group for their generous donation of 500 euros to this great cause.” 

Local county councillor, Pat Balfe, said: “It was a privilege to attend this important community initiative and to see first-hand the positive impact it is having. Forty-five people availed of the screening programme, demonstrating both the demand for and the value of these services."

“I would like to thank Srs Angela, Ann and Knit & Natter, for their generosity in providing the venue and refreshments, Advanced Medical Services for their professionalism, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the day such a success in particular the local GAA club who attended and supported such an important initiative. The message is simple; early detection saves lives.”