Billy Quinn, former inter-county hurler and father of Niall, has died

By Stephen Barry

Former Tipperary and Dublin hurler Billy Quinn has passed away today, aged 80.

The father of Irish soccer international Niall Quinn, Billy was also an accomplished sportsman, having won two All-Ireland Minor Hurling titles with the Premier County.

Quinn captained his county to the latter title, in 1953, having won a County Minor title with his club Rahelty. He also received Croke Cup, Dean Ryan and Harty Cup medals with Thurles CBS.

The Rossestown-native represented Tipperary in football at underage levels and won a Senior County title with Loughmore in 1955.

He scored a hat-trick of goals in winning a National Hurling League title in 1954 before moving to London and, subsequently, Dublin, where he ended his inter-county career in 1960.

Billy’s son Niall went out to emulate his father by playing in Croke Park in a Minor All-Ireland final for Dublin, before embarking on a soccer career.

Tipperary County Board Chairman Michael Bourke said, “Men of the quality and calibre of Billy Quinn are unique in the GAA and his arrival on the Tipperary hurling scene at such a young age speaks volumes of his ability.

“Had government employment policy been different at the time I have no doubt that Billy would have had many Senior All-Ireland medals in his possession along with his two All-Ireland Minor medals.

“On behalf of Tipperary County Board we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, sons and daughters Rosaleen, Gerry, Anne Marie and Niall and the extended Quinn family on the sad passing of their beloved Billy.”