The University of Limerick has become the first Irish university to mandate cardiac screening for its high-performance sports scholars.
UL says screenings aim to “protect the health and wellbeing of elite student athletes from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS).”
SADS is a silent cardiac condition that can’t strike without warning, with 80 to 90% of cases showing no symptoms.
The initiative was launched as screenings began at the UL Sport Arena yesterday afternoon.
The decision to make screening mandatory carries special meaning within the UL community, where many staff and students have been directly impacted by SADS.
Many UL GAA hurlers counted gifted Tipperary hurler Dylan Quirke, who tragically passed away during a match in 2022, as both a teammate and a friend.
UL sports scholar, Tipperary hurler and all-star nominee Darren McCarthy is part of the initiative this week.
“It’s quick and simple to get it done, and it can literally save your life in the matter of five minutes,” McCarthy told RTE News on Wednesday. “And you have the results in 7-10 days afterwards.”
“We’ve seen that through the Dylan Quirke Foundation, there’s dozens of lives saved through their magnificent efforts.”
“Such a negative has turned into the most magnificent positive.”
Ninety students in total will attend screenings this week. The test will cost €80 and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
The process is non-invasive, requiring no needles.
The university says the initiative not only sets a new standard for athlete safety in Ireland but also honours the memory of those the university has lost in its own community.
James Hayes, a long-standing UL staff member, lost his beloved son Kevin to the condition in 2017. In Kevin’s memory, locally based company CommNet, kindly sponsored the screening of UL’s sports scholars.
Professor Shane Kilcommins, Acting President of University of Limerick, 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. One screening can save a life, and through this policy, we are determined to raise awareness, drive change, and protect the future of sport.”
Neasa O’Donnell, Head of Student Sport at University of Limerick, said: “This is a proud moment for the UL Sports Scholarship Academy. 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. We’re delighted to make it happen and so thankful to CommNet for supporting this important initiative.
“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.