There was some terribly sad news from Tipperary over night as hurler Dillon Quirke passed away after becoming ill in a club match in Thurles.
Quirke hurled with the west Tipp side Clonoulty-Rossmore, who were playing Kilruane MacDonaghs last night at Semple Stadium. It was the second round of the Tipperary senior championship.
Quirke became ill during the first half of the match and was rushed to Tipperary University Hospital, and the match was abandoned. Tragically, he passed away last night. He was 24.
The Tipp County board issued the following statement over night:
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.
Out of respect, the Tipp county board has called off all matches in the Tipperary this weekend.
Quirke was a brilliant young hurler. He won a Harty Cup medal with Thurles CBS in 2015 and a minor All-Ireland with Tipp the next year. He was a lynchpin in the Tipp side that won the 2018 U21 All-Ireland for Tipperary. That same year, he starred in the Clounoulty-Rossmore side that won the Tipp Championship.
Liam Sheedy called him into the Tipp squad during the 2020 League and he scored four points against Liam Cahill's Waterford.
Tributes have been paid to a wonderful young man and a brilliant hurler.
Shane McGrath tweeted:
"Tragic news of the passing of Dillon Quirke. The sporting community in Tipp are numb. A brilliant talent who was only getting better & better for club & county. All thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends in @ClonRossGAA. The bed of heaven to Dillon."
I am heartbroken to hear about the passing of Dillon Quirke tonight. He was one of the good guys, a genuine lad always given his best for club & County. A true talent taken too young my friend❤️ my thoughts & sympathies to his family & all at @ClonRossGAA RIP pic.twitter.com/SmNP8vKlC8
— Kevin Hanly (@kevinhanly32) August 5, 2022
Liam Sheedy echoed that sentiment.
Apologies that should read Dan,Hazel and all of the family. https://t.co/LeqkInzko8
— Liam Sheedy (@LiamLsheedy) August 5, 2022
Shocked and saddened to hear about Dillon Quirke, the sportsfocus team had the pleasure of taking many pictures of Dillon on the field, we all agreed he was one talented hurler. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and @ClonRossGAA teammates. 💔 pic.twitter.com/IKMpNVqWK9
— Sports Focus Photography (@SportsFocusIe) August 5, 2022
