Martinwasa well-knowntrade unionactivist

MARTIN Quinn, 16 Cuchullain Terrace, Castletown Road, Dundalk, who died on 16 January, 2017, was a well-known local trade union activist.

He passed away peacefully in Beaumont Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Martin was born on 25 February, 1950, to Rose Quinn (nee Black) and Terence Quinn, and grew up in Pearse Park, the second eldest of nine children. He was predeceased by his parents; sister, Rosemary Oliver and nephew, Craig Quigley.

Martin started his working life in Ecco, Dundalk, in the 1960’s, where he became very active with the ATGWU and fought in Ecco for the rights of workers, which led to him taking the majority of the factory out on strike.

This led to him getting involved in, and becoming an active member of, the local branch of the Labour Party, right through the 70’s and 80’s. During this time, Martin canvassed and supported local candidates who stood for election. He also became secretary of the constituents’ council.

He always supported workers’ right to strike, and would never pass a picket. In 1984, when Dunnes Stores’ workers were on strike because they refused to handle fruit from South Africa in a stand against apartheid, Martin travelled to Dublin on many occasions to support the Dunnes’ workers.

He also marched in demonstrations against many injustices across the world.

Martin was a quiet man, and many who attended the house after his death, and the funeral, referred to him as a gentleman.

He had a love for photography, and spent many hours taking pictures of old buildings and old shop fronts around Dundalk.

He had a passion for books, and was an avid reader, with a great fondness for the works of Oscar Wilde. Indeed, one of the highlights of his later life was when he travelled to Paris with his partner to visit the final resting place of Wilde.

Martin had a love of local history, and possessed many books about Dundalk and the surrounding area; and loved taking family and friends, who visited from abroad, around the locality, and sharing all the stories and tales of local folklore. He had a gift of being able to tell a good yarn in his own unique way.

Martin enjoyed meeting and chatting with people, and he encountered many people during the time he spent as a night porter in Ballymascanlon Hotel, and when he worked as a taxi driver.

A family man, he enjoyed nothing more than family events, and making sure that everyone was looked after. His wisdom, advice and support are what his family is going to miss most, and, of course, his unique sense humour, which stayed with him right until the end.

Martin’s passing is deeply regretted by his children, Mark, Olga and Leah; brothers, Stafford, Aidan, Christopher, Damian and Stephen; sisters, Paulette and Bernadine; grandchildren, Kayleigh, Sean, Cara and Conor; and his heartbroken partner, Ann, and her lovely family in Carrickmacross; especially daughters, Aoife and Sinead; sons- and daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family relatives, neighbours and friends.

After reposing at his residence, he was taken to St Nicholas Church for the funeral Mass, which was celebrated by Fr. Magnus Ogbonna.

Symbols of his life, including a copy of The Irish Times newspaper, an Oscar Wilde book, his cap (which he wore everywhere) and a photo of him when he was well, were brought up by Kayleigh Hughes, Kayleigh Mulligan, Oran Kiernan and Hannah Cogan.

The Month’s Mind Mass takes place on Sunday, 19 February, 2017, in St Nicholas Church at 12 noon.