The Dillon Quirke Foundation jersey controversy is not going away

The decision by the GAA not to permit the Tipperary and Limerick senior Hurling teams to wear jerseys in support of the Dillon Quirke Foundation for the upcoming Munster Senior Hurling Championship match was met with great disappointment and many others have added their voice to the pleas for the jersey to be worn.

Speaking to the Tipperary Star, senior hurling manager Liam Cahill said Dillon has been in the forefront of the minds of his players over the last number of months and added that the memories are still very raw for all involved: “We in Tipperary will do everything we can to support the Dillon Quirke Foundation and we will wear whatever jerseys are available for us to wear. We are fully supportive of the Dillon Quirke Foundation,” he said.

Liam Cahill led Tipperary to a memorable All-Ireland minor title win in 2016 when Dillon Quirke played a key role for Tipperary across the season. Tipp beat Limerick by seven points in the All-Ireland final that September. Current senior stars Paddy Cadell and Mark Kehoe lined out for Tipp while current Limerick star Kyle Hayes lined out in the half forward line for the Shannonsiders that day.

Dillon progressed to play a key part in the Under 21 All-Ireland win over Cork two years later and Liam Cahill was manager of that side as well. The Clonoulty hurler became established in the half back line and from there pushed on to make the Tipperary senior hurling panel in the following years. He passed away whilst hurling for Clonoulty Rossmore against Kilruane MacDonaghs last August in FBD Semple Stadium.

Earlier this spring, Tipp wore the Dillon Quirke Foundation jersey against Kilkenny in Thurles and interest has grown in the Foundation, which was set up to screen boys and girls in Ireland for heart issues, since the event. Current Tipp manager Liam Cahill is aware of the emotion involved around the jersey: “Of course. It is still a very sensitive time and is still very raw with a lot of people both within our dressing room and within the Quirke family and in Clonoulty. We understand the sensitivity of this. We are fully supportive as Tipperary senior hurlers to wear the jersey when the time comes if allowed.” he said.

Speaking at the Munster championship launch in Pairc Ui Chaoimh last week, Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely called on the GAA to look again at their decision ahead of the round robin game next month. The Abbey CBS principal said Limerick would help in whatever way they could and added that he had no problem with his side wearing the Foundation emblem on the day.

Local TD Jackie Cahill also spoke out following the news that the GAA are enforcing a new policy which does not permit messages on match gear supporting campaigns and charities, such as the Dillon Quirke Foundation. The Thurles-based TD said: “There is great disappointment and I would even say anger locally at the GAA’s decision.Dillon Quirke’s family and the foundation they established are doing incredible work, not just locally here in Tipperary but nationally, in raising funds and awareness for this incredibly important cause. It is with great regret and disappointment that I have seen the reports that the GAA will not allow the Dillon Quirke Foundation jerseys on the field of play and I believe that this decision, which is regrettable, plain wrong and unfair, should be reversed. This decision is at odds with the grassroots of the GAA, and they must be listened to by those making this decision.”

It remains to be seen if the GAA will reverse their decision on the matter and if Tipp and Limerick get the opportunity to highlight the work of the Dillon Quirke Foundation.