‘Genius and magical’ Superquinn founder mourned at funeral
Political & business leaders say farewell to retail giant, 82
PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins joined hundreds of mourners at the funeral of retail magnate Feargal Quinn yesterday.
Business and political leaders paid their respects to the 82-yearold Superquinn founder who passed away peacefully at his home in Howth, North Co Dublin, on Wednesday.
St Fintan’s Church in Sutton was told how he was a father not just to his five children but also to the 12,000 employees who worked for him over 40 years.
Close friend and colleague Vincent O’doherty spoke movingly of the former senator and his work ethic which left a lasting impression on anyone he met.
Mr O’doherty, who was chairman of Superquinn for more than 30 years, said the tycoon “had a magic authenticity” adding he “gave young people trust and responsibilities and they rose to the occasion”.
He told how he he remembered everyone by their first name and in many cases also the name of their spouse.
His granddaughter Alexandra de Schonen, who lives in France, recalled “the most magical of grandfathers”.
She said: “He had the ability to transform a garden or beach for all of his grandchildren into a mostenchanted place because he knew the sweet fairy.
“I always believed he had very long discussions with the sweet fairy because he always knew where the sweets were hidden.
“He made me believe politics was the friendliest place to work, where collaboration and friendship always surpassed rivalry and competition.
“We knew our grandfather was a genius who had come up with the most ingenious idea of playhouses for kids in supermarkets.
“I still believe today that his genius relied on the fact that he kept his childhood spirit and managed to share this simplicity and joy with everyone around him.”
His son Eamonn told mourners, which included Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone, Senator Michael Mcdowell and Cmmdt Caroline Burke, who represented the Taoiseach, the massive impact he had on those who met him.
And he said his family, which includes 19 grandchildren, will always remember him and the fond memories he helped to create.
He said: “Thank you for being part of our lives. Thank you for the fun, for all the debates, for all the memories, you are irreplaceable. But most of all we will miss you.”
Thank you for being part of our lives. Thank you for the memories
EAMON QUINN ST FINTAN’S YESTERDAY