The recent rise in fatalities among young sporting players in Ireland has led to a call for action to be taken at Government level.
Chairman of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Mr Batt O'Keeffe, yesterday said he would bring a proposal to the Committee on its return in September, asking it to call on a panel of experts within the health profession for their advice in highlighting potential health issues for sports persons.
The suggestion comes after a Cork teenager Kevin Quinn died on Friday during a hurling match, from what was later discovered to be natural causes.
"It's tragic what has happened. I think we should invite a panel of professionals from within Irish hospitals before the Department of Health and ask them what difficulties can arise, how they can manifest themselves and in what way.
"We have to look for the way forward. It's definitely something the Committee should be looking at," Mr O'Keeffe said yesterday.
"There have been a number of tragic fatalities in sporting occasions recently and we have to address the issue," he added.
Eighteen year-old Kevin Quinn from Glanworth, north Cork, was described over the weekend as an extremely popular young man, who was highly regarded in his community.
The young apprentice electrician collapsed before team-mates and family, during a hurling match for his club, Harbour Rovers, on Friday night.
Despite the efforts of a local nurse and doctor, the teenager died at the scene. A post-mortem later indicated he died of natural causes.
"It's the last thing you would expect to happen. Kevin was a tremendously popular young man, admirable in every way," PRO of Glanworth GAA, Mr Ollie Ryan, said.
Local councillor Mr Frank O'Flynn (FF) said the community of Glanworth is united in grief following the incident.
"The parish is just completely shocked. People are finding it very difficult to come to terms with what happened to somebody so healthy and in the prime of his life.
"He was the life and soul of the parish. Our hearts go out to his family," Mr O'Flynn added.
Chairman of Cork County Board Mr Jim Forbes described the experience as a traumatic one for all concerned and extended his sympathy to Kevin's parents and two younger siblings.
"This was an under-21 game so the lads were very young. It is a terrible tragedy.
"On behalf of the County Board and all the GAA I would like to extend my sympathy to Kevin's family and his team mates," he said.
The funeral of the hurler will take place this afternoon in Glanworth, followed by burial in the local cemetery.