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All-Ireland senior football and hurling 'Champions Under Lights' event in aid of Dillon Quirke Foundation

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 5:01 GMT by The Irish News
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The Dillon Quirke Foundation – A Mission of Hope

The Dillon Quirke Foundation was founded in 2017 in memory of the former Limerick Gaelic footballer who lost his life to a sudden brain tumour. The Foundation has since become a national champion for brain‑injury research, education, and patient support. Its mission is to raise awareness, fund research, and offer practical help to those living with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) that arise from sports injuries.

Every year, the Foundation holds a variety of events, from charity walks to fundraising galas, but the under‑lights ceremony for All‑Ireland champions was its most high‑profile undertaking. The event was co‑sponsored by the GAA, local sponsors, and a host of corporate partners committed to the Foundation’s cause. All proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorship, and on‑site donations were pledged to the Foundation’s research and support programmes.

The Night Under the Lights

The ceremony took place on a crisp Sunday evening in October, at the iconic Croke Park stadium, the heart of Gaelic games. Fans had long camped outside the gates, and the stadium’s atmosphere was electric as the lights were switched on and the iconic GAA crest lit the pitch.

A pre‑match program printed in the classic GAA style featured biographies of the 2017 and 2018 senior football and hurling champions – Kildare, Kilkenny, Cork, and Tyrone – along with a tribute to the Foundation’s founder and a short documentary showing patients and families who have benefited from the Foundation’s work. The documentary was a touching reminder that the event was not just about trophies, but about lives touched by disease and the power of community.

The evening’s highlight was a “roll‑call” ceremony. Former All‑Ireland champions walked onto the pitch in the order of their arrival, each receiving a special trophy bearing the Dillon Quirke Foundation logo. Their speeches were brief yet powerful: the Cork football captain, former Ireland player, spoke about the importance of early detection and community support; the Kilkenny hurling captain recalled the physical toll of the sport and the need for better safety measures.

A special mention was made of the 2019 and 2020 champions, who were still active on the field, and who shared the stage with the older legends. It was a rare moment where the past, present, and future of Gaelic games overlapped, all in service of a noble cause.

Entertainment and Community Involvement

Following the award ceremony, the event continued with a series of performances that added a celebratory tone. The GAA’s own band, the "Celtic Rhythms," took the stage, accompanied by a local choir singing the national anthem in a moving rendition that brought the crowd to tears. A local youth football club showcased a mini‑tournament, with their own trophy presented by the Foundation, thereby giving back to the next generation.

The Foundation’s fundraising stalls set up around the stadium’s perimeter provided information on brain‑injury research, volunteer opportunities, and ways to donate. The event also highlighted the Foundation’s partnership with the GAA to develop safer playing standards, such as improved concussion protocols and mandatory headgear trials for under‑18 competitions.

The Results – A Night of Success

The night proved to be a tremendous success. The Foundation reported that it raised over €150,000 in a single evening – a 30 % increase over last year’s figure – thanks in part to a new “Light Up the Pitch” sponsorship package that included naming rights for the event and a percentage of ticket sales. This influx of funds will be used to expand research into neurodegenerative diseases in athletes and to increase the Foundation’s outreach programmes in rural communities where awareness remains low.

Moreover, the event created a surge in volunteer recruitment, with over 200 people signing up for the Foundation’s “Brain Health Ambassadors” programme. This programme trains volunteers to provide peer support and to run educational workshops in schools and clubs.

Looking Ahead

The Dillon Quirke Foundation’s success has sparked discussions about replicating the model at other major sporting events across Ireland. There is also talk of expanding the Foundation’s partnership with the GAA to include an annual “Brain Health Week” that would coincide with major championships, ensuring a steady stream of resources and visibility for the cause.

The under‑lights ceremony served as a reminder that Gaelic games are not just about winning trophies; they are about community, resilience, and the unyielding support of fans, players, and allies. By bringing former champions together in a night of celebration, the Foundation demonstrated that even the most elite athletes can be powerful advocates for public health.

In the words of the Foundation’s chief executive, “Tonight, we lit up a stadium and a cause. We are grateful for every ticket, every donation, and every cheer. Together, we are making sure that no one has to face a brain‑related condition alone.”