Tourlestrane’s Nathy Quinn, 68, remembered for his football and tool-making prowess
THE late Nathy Quinn of Annagh, Tourlestrane, was born into a family of 11 children. His father Patrick James is deceased for almost 40 years now but his mother Brigid, currently in her 96 th year, is hail and hearty in St Attracta’s Nursing Home. He is predeceased by his wife Marian and two older siblings, Myra Grimes and Tommy Joe.
The young Nathy developed a love for Gaelic Football in national school where he quickly demonstrated a keen skill for the game, particularly in defence where his tenacity and direct approach was very effective. He attended the local Vocational School in Tubbercurry where he excelled with both his academic studies and his athletic talents and won two county championships with the school, scoring a goal in the 1964 win over Easkey.
He played for Tourlestrane in all underage grades and in 1967, when the club won its 1st minor championship, Nathy was part of a rock solid half back line which also included the resilient Des Cunnane and Des Brett, a lifelong friend. The team also included two of his brothers, former county star Hughie and the unmarkable Alphie.
Nathy went on to win league medals with Tourlestrane at senior level in the early seventies and as a club officer he organised club dinner dances which were a huge social event for the club at the time.
After leaving ‘ the tech’ he was employed in the local factory, the Tool & Gauge Company, Tubbercurry, where he served his time as a tool-maker. During his apprenticeship, he represented Ireland in an international turning competition in Brussels, where he placed in the top three worldwide.
Having completed his apprenticeship, he went on to work in Sligo Town for a while and then in the early 70s he and his late wife Marian, formerly of Easkey, emigrated to Boston, where they set up home.
Nathy continued with his beloved tool-making trade for some years but then changed careers and set up a launderette/ dry cleaning business.
He and Marian were blessed with two children, daughter Noelle and a son named Carlton.
Nathy is interned alongside his beloved wife Marian in St Joseph’s cemetery, West Roxbury, Boston. Nathy was a man of high integrity, be it in the classroom, on the football field or in the work force.
He was loved by his close circle of friends and will be sorely missed by them.
Deepest sympathies are offered to his daughter Noelle and son in law, Timothy Callaghan, his son Carlton and daughter in law Sheila and his grandchildren Emma and Connell Quinn not forgetting his mother Brigid and remaining siblings.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.