Cleo joined the Dillon Quirke Foundation as an ambassador in early 2026 and has already made waves. She has raised vital awareness of the need for cardiac screening and is advocating to introduce routine cardiac screening for young athletes within Irish paddlesport and beyond.
Cleo knows too well the importance of cardiac screening.
Read about her incredible journey below.
From Heart Surgery to International Success
Irish international kayak athlete, teacher and athlete advocate Cleo Pitcher Farrell knows first-hand the life-changing impact of cardiac screening and early detection.
Cleo has represented Ireland at both Under-23 and Senior World and European Championships and has established herself as one of Ireland's leading paddlesport athletes. In 2024, she was recognised as Canoeing Ireland's Senior Female Wildwater Athlete of the Year, reflecting her outstanding achievements on the international stage. She has also secured podium finishes at European Cup level and continues to represent Ireland in international competition.
Today, Cleo competes at the highest level of her sport, but her journey could have taken a very different path.
As a young athlete, she was diagnosed with a serious heart condition that placed her at risk of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS). Thanks to early detection and life-saving heart surgery, she received the treatment she needed before tragedy struck.
Speaking at a recent Dillon Quirke Foundation event, Cleo reflected on just how significant that diagnosis was.
"By now, at 25, I would have died of SADS. I was really lucky and got heart surgery."
Rather than ending her sporting ambitions, treatment allowed Cleo to continue her athletic career safely and with renewed confidence. In fact, she believes it enhanced her athletic performance.
In 2024, Cleo achieved a major milestone when she was selected for her first Irish Senior Team and made her debut at a World Championship. Since then, she has gone on to win a European Cup medal, an achievement that once seemed impossible.
"What's really lucky for me is that in 2024 I made my first senior team and debuted competing at a World Championship, and I've gone on to win a European Cup medal. Not only did I not die – I'm obviously still here – but it was amazing that I'm now way better at sport than I was. It's really enhanced my performance."
Cleo's experience perfectly illustrates one of the key messages of the Dillon Quirke Foundation: cardiac screening does not stop dreams—it helps protect them.
Her story is not simply about survival; it is about giving young people the opportunity to live full, healthy and successful lives, both on and off the sporting field.
It is also why she has become such a passionate supporter of the Foundation and its mission to make cardiac screening more accessible to young people across Ireland.
"I really wanted to get involved in the charity. The work they do is incredible. They save so many lives and raise such vital funds."
The Dillon Quirke Foundation would like to thank Cleo for sharing her inspiring story and for helping to raise awareness of hidden heart conditions. Her journey from heart surgery to international success is a powerful reminder that screening saves lives—and can help young people achieve their full potential.
Join Cleo and Our Team!
Thomond Park Abseil
On August 5th we take on a challenge that will get hearts pumping! We are abseiling together from the heights of Thomond Park to raise vital funds and awareness to save young lives.
Will you join Cleo and #DoItForDillon?