University of Limerick has become the first higher education institution in Ireland to introduce mandatory screening for Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) for its high-performance sports scholars.
Tipperary hurler and All-Star nominee Darragh McCarthy as well as World U23 swimming champion Ellie McCartney were among the first students to be screened as the initiative got under way at the UL Sport Arena.
SADS is a silent cardiac condition that can strike without warning, with 80–90% of cases showing no symptoms.
UL's Sports Scholarship Academy is screening every high-performance sports scholar because it wants to set a new standard for athlete safety in Ireland.
Head of Student Sport at University of Limerick Neasa O'Donnell said: "It shows our genuine commitment to putting sports scholar welfare first and to leading the way nationally in supporting Ireland’s elite student athletes."
"Introducing mandatory cardiac screening here is a simple but powerful step that can truly make a difference. Screening is more affordable than many people realise, with results available in 7 to 10 days and immediate follow-up available if required. One screening could save a life," she added.
The decision to make screening mandatory carries special meaning within the UL community, where many staff and students have been directly impacted by SADS.
Darragh McCarthy counted Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke, who tragically passed away during a match in 2022, as both a teammate and a friend.
His family has since established the Dillon Quirke Foundation, which provides affordable screening nationwide.
"Such a negative has been turned into such a magnificent positive, it’s saving lives and it’s great to see," he said.
James Hayes, a long-standing staff member, lost his son Kevin to the condition in 2017. In Kevin's memory, locally based company CommNet, has sponsored the screening of UL’s sports scholars.
Acting President of University of Limerick Professor Shane Kilcommins said: "At University of Limerick, we are proud to be the first Irish university to mandate SADS screening for our high-performance sports scholars, a pioneering step that reflects our unwavering commitment to student wellbeing and our identity as the 'Home of Firsts’.
"This initiative not only sets a new national standard in athlete safety, but it also honours the memory of those we have lost in our own community."
