Greyhound Racing Stadia nationwide raise €10,000 for Dillon Quirke Foundation

Racegoers at 14 greyhound stadia across have raised €10,000 for the foundation set up in honour of the late Tipperary & Clonoulty-Rossmore hurler Dillon Quirke. The foundation was set up in honour of Dillon, who collapsed during a hurling match and died of SADS on the 5th August 2022 in Semple Stadium, Thurles.

The collection was held over the weekend of the 31st March - Monday 3rd April with all fans were asked to wear their club jerseys in honour of Dillon and donate what they could at the turnstiles.  The event was supported by clubs, players and the greyhound racing public across the country.

Commenting on 'The Jerseys At The Dogs' fundraising initiative, Dan Quirke said: “We are delighted that Greyhound Racing Ireland decided to host this fundraising weekend and thank all the venues who participated.  The goals of the foundation are to set up screening programmes across the country for every player from 12 years of age upwards which of course will benefit the children and grandchildren of owners, trainers and greyhound fans across the country"

John Tuohey, Interim CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland said: "As an industry with such strong links to the GAA through our shared fan based, we were proud to have the opportunity to support the Dillon Quirke Foundation.  I am also delighted to announce that plans are already underway to host a Jersey At The Dogs nationwide event in 2024."

Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) claims 100 young lives each year in Ireland and the foundation was created with the aim of raising awareness and setting up a screening programme which will screen every player (both male and female) from 12 years of age upwards.

The participating venues included:

Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium (Dublin)

Dundalk Stadium

Enniscorthy Greyhound Stadium

Newbridge Greyhound Stadium

Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium (Waterford)

Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium (Cork)

Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium

Clonmel Greyhound Stadium

Kingdom Greyhound Stadium (Tralee)

Limerick Greyhound Stadium

Galway Greyhound Stadium

Mullingar Greyhound Stadium