Former Mayor of Limerick John Quinn passes away

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Mayor of Limerick, John Quinn who has passed away at the age of 89.

John Quinn became the first Progressive Democrats Mayor of Limerick in 1992, succeeding Alderman Jim Kemmy.

John was born in Limerick city in 1933, originally living on Rutland Street. He moved to Ballynanty Estate on Limerick’s Northside in 1951.

He would become a leading community figure in the parish with a long association with Ballynanty Residents Association and with the Gaelic League.

He served as both chairperson and president of the Limerick county executive of the Community Games.

John worked as a law clerk for more than fifty years at DJ O’Malley and Co. Solicitors, owned by Des O’Malley.

John Quinn entered politics in the 1950’s. He left Fianna Fáil and joined the Progressive Democrat (PD) Party soon after it was founded in 1985.

He was first elected to Limerick City Council in 1979 and was returned in the local elections of 1985 and 1991. He retired undefeated from the council in 1999.

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John’s wife Kathleen (Kay) Quinn passed away in June 2022. They raised six children together.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Gerald Mitchell paid this tribute: "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. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis”

Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council 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."

Beloved husband of the late Kathleen. Dearly loving father of Gina (Harney), John, Dermot, Niall, Brendan and Paul.

Sadly missed by his adored grandchildren Aoife, Aisling, Tom, James, Senan, Sadhbh, Jack, Uladh, Molly, Erin and Darragh, great-grandchild Abby, son-in-law Aidan, daughters-in-law Linda, Marcella and Moira, Dermot’s partner Susan, his sisters-in- law Etta, Jo and Bridie, nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and neighbours. 

Reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home, Thomas Street (V94 FT85) on Monday, July 10 from 5.30pm  to 7pm, followed by removal to St. Lelia’s Church, Kileely Road (V94 X8W6).

Requiem Mass will be held on Tuesday, July 11 at 11am, followed by burial in Mount St. Lawrence Cemetery (Behind V94 D5D3).

House private, please.