Dillon Quirke's legacy - Abbott employees donate €100k

Abbott, the global healthcare company, has announced that its employees have raised €100,000 to donate to the Dillon Quirke Foundation. The foundation was established by the family of the late Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke who passed away unexpectedly from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) at the age of 24. It provides cardiac screening for young people, aged 12-18, involved in sport.

Abbott employees in Clonmel chose the Dillon Quirke Foundation as their charity of choice in early 2024 and raised €50,000 for the Foundation in six months. These funds enabled cardiac screening for over 500 young people in local clubs including Clonmel Commercials, Clonmel Óg and Clonmel Town Football Club.

In recognition of the important work the Foundation does in healthy heart screening, Abbott is matching the employee donation with a further €50,000, bringing its total support to €100,000. This additional donation will see another 500 12 to 18-year-old sporting enthusiasts receive cardiac screening.

The donation forms part of Abbott’s national volunteering and giving programme, Croí an Óir. Established in 2007, Croí an Óir, which is Irish for ‘heart of gold’, has raised over €2.5m for 870 charities nationwide. Through this programme employees select an annual ‘charity of choice’ and work together to raise funds for worthy causes.

Deirdre Mullins, Clonmel Site Director, Abbott, said: “The generosity of our employees in raising funds for the Dillon Quirke Foundation exemplifies the values of compassion and community that are integral to our organisation. In recognition of their extraordinary efforts and support, Abbott is pleased to provide matching funding of €50,000. Our collaboration with the Dillon Quirke Foundation allows us to share our commitment to advancing cardiovascular health within our local community. It is our hope that, through our joint efforts, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who will benefit from this cardiac screening.”

Dan Quirke, the Founder of the Dillon Quirke Foundation, and father of Dillon, commented: “Sincere thanks to Abbott and all their very generous employees. It just shows the powerful difference we can make when we come together. Together we are saving young people’s lives.”