TRIBUTES have poured in from across the city and county of Limerick in memory of former Mayor John Quinn, who passed away yesterday (Thursday July 7) at the age of 89.
Mr Quinn will be remembered as Limerick’s first Progressive Democrats Mayor, donning the mayoral chain in 1992 as successor to Alderman Jim Kemmy.
Born on Rutland Street in Limerick City in 1933, Mr Quinn moved to Ballynanty Estate in 1951 where he would become a leading community figure, establishing strong links with the Ballynanty Residents Association and the Gaelic league.
He also served as both chairperson and president of the Limerick county executive of the Community Games.
In his professional life, Mr Quinn worked for more than 50 years as a law clerk with Des O’Malley’s firm DJ O’Malley and Co Solicitors.
Mr Quinn entered the political sphere in the 1950s as a member of Fianna Fáil, before joining the Progressive Democrats shortly after the party’s foundation in 1985.
He was first elected to Limerick City Council in 1979, and was returned in the 1985 and 1991 local elections, where he sat undefeated until his retirement from public service in 1999. He served as mayor across 1992/1993.
The former Limerick Mayor is deeply regretted by his children Gina (Harney), John, Dermot, Niall, Brendan, and Paul, his grandchildren Aoife, Aisling, Tom, James, Senan, Sadhbh, Jack, Uladh, Molly, Erin, and Darragh, great-grandchild Abby, brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, his wide extended family, friends, and neighbours.
He is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Kathleen (Kay) Quinn, who passed away in 2022.
Paying tribute to the late Mr Quinn, recently appointed Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Gerald Mitchell, said: “I was very sad to hear of the passing of John Quinn and I want to extend my condolences to all his family.”
“I had some personal business dealings with John over the years and he was always a very honourable and upright man. He was a gentleman who served his community and his city for decades, including twenty years as an elected representative on Limerick City Council. As both councillor and mayor, he was always courteous and well liked by all the Council staff he dealt with.”
Council Chief Executive, Dr Pat Daly, added: “John Quinn leaves behind an incredible legacy of service to his community and his county. As well as being an elected representative on Limerick City Council, he gave his time generously in so many other ways. He was involved with the Community Games, Limerick Harbour Commissioners, the Mid Western Health Board, Limerick City Enterprise Board, Limerick City VEC, and also found time to sing in a number of choirs while helping to raise a family with his wife Kay, may she rest in peace.”
“Those in the Council who worked with him remember him fondly as a gentleman. We are thinking of his family at this sad time.”
His remains will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Thomas Street on Monday (July 10) between 5.30pm and 7pm, followed by removal to St Lelia’s Church, Kileely Road.
Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday (July 11) at 11am, before burial in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery.
Mr Quinn’s family have requested that the family home remain private.
