'It can save lives' - Message from Mayo LGFA star about cardiac screening

The Dillon Quirke Foundation held a cardiac screening in Mayo today for members of Westport LGFA underage teams.

This is a vitally important service which looks to detect cardiac issues early in young athletes so that they can then seek treatment if necessary.

Westport and Mayo player Saoirse Lally showed her support as she knows the importance of this all too well: Her own condition was detected by a Cardiac screening programme.

Read more about how Mayo footballer Saoirse Lally opens up about the day that saved her life.

This then allowed Saoirse to access treatment and then get back to doing what she does best, shining on the football pitch for both Westport and Mayo LGFA.

Saoirse Lally (right) with Westport LGFA players at the cardiac screening
by the Dillon Quirke Foundation. Pic: Westport LGFA

The cardiac screening on Friday morning took place in Knockranny hotel Westport which was provided for our club by the brilliant Dillon Quirke Foundation.

In general, the foundation are a registered charity working to raise awareness of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) and fund widespread cardiac screening for young people (aged 13-17) involved in sport.

READ NEXT: Young Mayo athletes screened by Dillon Quirke Foundation

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 – before they cause symptoms.

The foundation is named after Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke. On August 5, 2022, Quirke collapsed on the pitch in a club match and was later pronounced dead in the hospital.

READ NEXT: Claremorris GAA to host major Dillon Quirke Foundation Day