Arthur Quinlan dies aged 92

The death has occurred of journalist Arthur Quinlan who was regarded as one of the most “loyal, committed and distinguished journalists that this country has seen. Often known as Mr Limerick, during his time as the region’s national correspondent, Mr Quinlan passed away in Limerick this Saturday at the age of 92. Mr Quinlan was the chairman of the Irish South West Branch of the NUJ after he began his career in 1945 when he worked as a freelance journalist to the Irish Times. In the 60s and 70s, Mr Quinlan was commended and noted for his work with RTE.

As a member and officer of the NUJ, Arthur Quinlan was always said to have been committed to bettering and upholding the welfare of his fellow members.
Irish Secretary of the National Union of Journalists told the Irish Times that Arthur Quinlan was “a kind and generous colleague, full of stories and blessed with a wonderful sense of fun. Arthur was a passionate advocate for the development of the Mid West region, especially Shannon Airport’.”

Mr Quinlan was the managing editor of the now defunct Limerick Weekly Echo from 1971 – 1976. During his long career he interviewed many world leaders, including Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, US President Harry Truman, Soviet leader Andrey Vyshinsky, King Peter of Yugoslavia, Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, the Duke Of Edinburgh and Queen Juliana of Holland. He also famously taught Cuban leader Fidel Castro how to make an Irish coffee and is the only western journalist to have interviewed Che Guevara.

Arthur Quinlan, one of the most highly regarded reporters of his time, is survived by his son Tom and two daughters, Ann and Joyce.