UL is first Irish university to mandate cardiac screening for sports scholars

UL is first Irish university to mandate cardiac screening for sports scholars. UL sports scholars Tipperary hurler and All-Star nominee Darragh McCarthy and World U23 swimming champion Ellie McCartney were among the many student athletes being screened over two days this week. Picture: Brian Arthur

University of Limerick (UL) is the first higher education institution in Ireland to introduce mandatory cardiac screening for its high-performance sports scholars

UL 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.

The initiative was launched this week as screenings got underway at the UL Sport Arena, marking an important step in protecting the health and well-being of the university’s elite student athletes.

SADS is a silent cardiac condition that can strike without warning, with 80–90% of cases showing no symptoms. Screening costs approximately €80, a small price compared to the risk, yet few people are aware of the condition or how straightforward screening is.

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UL’s Sports Scholarship Academy is leading the way by screening every high-performance sports scholar, setting a new standard for athlete safety in Ireland.

The decision to make screening mandatory carries special meaning within the UL community, where many staff and students have been directly impacted by SADS.

UL sports scholars Tipperary hurler and All-Star nominee Darragh McCarthy and World U23 swimming champion Ellie McCartney were among the many student athletes being screened over two days this week.

Many UL GAA hurlers counted gifted 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.

Across Ireland, many people know someone affected, whether a family member, teammate, colleague or friend. This shared experience shows why awareness and screening are so important, and why UL is determined to lead the way in athlete safety and help to raise awareness.

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.

James Hayes, a long-standing staff member, lost his beloved son Kevin to the condition in 2017. In Kevin’s memory, locally based company CommNet, has kindly sponsored the screening of UL’s sports scholars taking place this week.