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Here at Newry.ie we are very sad to hear of the sudden death of Jerry Quinn, a great friend to all, local GAA legend, Newspaper Photographer and Correspondent, Hilltown Mart main man, a terrific organiser and an absolute gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Down GAA have released a statement that we couldn't improve on. He will be sorely missed.
"Coiste Chontae an Dúin and the family that is Down GAA are saddened to learn of the sudden death of Jerry Quinn past Chairman of our County and long time servant of the GAA.
Jerry had a great love for the GAA and this love was a reflection of the ethos of our Association, he loved his County and he loved his Club Clonduff.
Always a man to give of his time freely in the work of our Association, Jerry was a more than capable administrator. He served on the South Down Board and on the County Board and it was his proudest day when he was elected Chairman of this County in December 2004.
Jerry had also served the County as a Selector with our County Senior Footballers in the 1970s and was also a passionate campaigner in support of Down Referee's and in trying to improve the standard of refereeing within the County.
Just over a month ago Jerry was a very proud joint winner of the Hall Fame Award at the Clonduff 125 celebrations, sharing the award with his long time friend Fintan Mussen.
Jerry held may offices within the Club and had also been involved in many teams, a McNamee Award winner with his Club there is no doubt that Jerry Quinn was a dedicated member of Clonduff GAC, he didn't ask someone to do a job that he would not have willingly done himself.
As a journalist and correspondent with the "Outlook" Jerry did a great service to the Clubs of the area, ensuring that games were covered in the Press and arriving at their presentations to ensure that the moments were captured on camera.
At a time when it was not as fashionable Jerry Quinn was keeping the GAA to the fore in media coverage in the South Down Area and beyond. Jerry was also a member and past chairperson of the Ulster GAA Writers Association
Only a few short weeks ago we laid another great servant Matt Fitzpatrick to rest and now we find ourselves having to pay our respects to Jerry, the loss of both of these men leaves the GAA world in Down a poorer place.
Down GAA extend our deepest sympathy to Jerry's family, his wife Maura, daughter Ursula, sons Francis, Shane and Niall at this their time of loss, in consolation we say that Jerry touched the lives of so many and in doing so enriched those lives.
Ar Dheis De go Raibh a Anam"
