RIP Dillon Quirke.
The Tipperary GAA community is in mourning following the death of county hurler Dillon Quirke. The 24-year-old was a Clonoulty-Rossmore club-man and it was during the first half of their county championship match against Kilruane MacDonaghs when he took ill, with the game abandoned minutes later.
Quirke was treated by the Knights of Malta and was brought into the stadium's medical room before an ambulance arrived to take him to hospital but nothing could be done.
The only son of Dan Quirke, who scored three goals in the 1989 All-Ireland under-21 final, Dillon followed in his father's footsteps when he won that same title 29 years later in 2018. That was the same year he played a key role, despite only being 20 years of age, in helping his club Clonoulty-Rossmore to the Tipperary senior hurling title.
Dillon was first brought into the Tipperary senior hurling panel by Michael Ryan in 2018, and later by Liam Sheedy in 2020. He impressed during that year's League campaign, particularly in a game against Waterford, where he scored 0-5 from play and was named man-of-the-match.
It was this year though, when he established himself as a key man for the Premier. He played wing back for the duration of their Munster championship campaign and though it was a disappointing campaign, Quirke was one of their brightest sparks. With his strength, courage and toughness, he looked like a player who would wear the blue and gold for years to come.
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Liam Sheedy was one of the men Quirke played under and the Portroe man paid tribute to a "smashing person, on and off the pitch." Former Tipp hurler Shane McGrath, meanwhile, called him "A brilliant talent who was only getting better & better for club & county."
Tipperary GAA called off all its club games as a mark of respect.
"Tipperary GAA extends its heartfelt and sincere sympathies to Dan, Hazel, Shannon, Kellie and the extended Quirke family. Also to the Clonoulty Rossmore GAA Club and his teammates on the sad and tragic passing of Clonoulty Rossmore and Tipperary hurler Dillon Quirke. Dillon became ill during Friday evenings County Senior Hurling Championship game between Clonoulty Rossmore and Kilruane MacDonaghs in Semple Stadium and was taken to Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel where he passed away. Tipperary GAA wish to thank all those who attended to Dillon in Semple Stadium and in Tipperary University Hospital this evening.
As a mark of respect to Dillon, Tipperary GAA have called off all games due to take place in the County Hurling Championships this weekend."
Our thoughts are with his friends, club-mates and family. May he Rest in Peace.
