Tributes paid as County Limerick cyclist is laid to rest

LARGE crowds from east Limerick travelled to Listowel this Monday to pay their respects to the Quinlan family.

Keen cyclist Jim Quinlan, originally from Gortmana, Cappamore, was found lying on the R552 between Ballylongford and Listowel shortly after 5pm last Wednesday. The injured man was removed by helicopter to University Hospital Limerick where he later passed away surrounded by his loving family.

Gardai are investigating the circumstances of the accident and have appealed for witnesses. However, a hit and run is not suspected.

Mr Quinlan, aged in his sixties, left Cappamore as a young man but never forgot his roots. It is understood he worked for Kerry Group in Listowel where he resided. He was out cycling when the tragedy occurred.

Cappamore councillor, Noel Gleeson, who attended the removal on Sunday, expressed his sympathies, on behalf of the parish, to the Quinlan family. 

“Jim was a lovely, lovely fellow. He was the kind of man who would salute you from across the street. He would be very well-liked. They are a very popular family.

“He never forgot where he came from and used to come back for local funerals. It was a big shock in the area when the news broke that it was Jim. May he rest in peace,” said Cllr Gleeson.

A bus travelled down from Doon to the funeral as Jim hurled with Doon GAA Club in his younger days. His brother John, who played senior with the club, resides in Cappamore.  

Their grandfather John McCarthy owned the famous McCarthy’s Circus Bar in the village.

Mr Quinlan was laid to rest in St John Paul II Cemetery, Ballybunion Road, Listowel this afternoon following funeral Mass in St Mary's Church.

Deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife Nóirín, son Brian, daughter Michelle, grandson Cooper, brother John, son-in-law Shane, daughter-in-law Mel, aunts, aunt-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

May he rest in peace.