MARTIN (CHRISTY) McQUINN.
Even though he had been battling illness for some time, nonetheless, it was with sadness that all in the Club and the wider community learned of the death of Christy McQuinn early this morning. Christy played with the Kerry Minor Footballers in 1956 and played both codes with the Club. But it was as a Club Hurler that he excelled. Reference is made in our Centenary Book (pages 128, 129, 134 and 202) to Christy’s exploits on the Hurling field, first with that all-conquering Minor Hurling team of 1955 who won that year’s Co. Championship, and later when he was part and parcel of that great Senior team who contested the two Co. Championship Finals of 1968 and 1969. He was a commanding full back in both finals and he was flanked on both sides by the brothers Mike and Seamus McCarthy.
The following is John Barry’s description of the controversial 1968 Final in our Centenary Book, with particular reference to Christy’s ‘equalising point’ (that was never given).
‘’Remember that ’68 final? Remember the famous ‘70’ taken by Christy McQuinn? Remember the horror of all Rock people when it was waved wide? I was on the edge of the Crotta Square and without doubt the ball went two feet inside the left upright. Imagine my consternation and that of all the players when that point was never flagged by the umpire’’.
Christy’s work in the higher ranks of the Gárda Siochana took him away from the county. Some of the major events that he co-ordinated included the Eurovision Song Contest in Millstreet and President Clinton’s visit. But he continued to be a hugely proud Stacks man, always enquiring about current Club activities and always interested in what was happening around the Club.
Down the years and to this day his extended family have been involved in Club activities. His brother Pat Joe was Vice Chairman of the Club for eleven consecutive seasons (2000-2010). And to-day his nephew, Paudie and his niece Mary are involved in Club activities – Paudie as a physio and a MF/U21 Mentor and Mary in many fundraising activities.
We extend sincere sympathy to Christy’s wife, Maura, his son, Kieran, his daughter Kate, his grandchildren, his brothers Michael and Pat Joe, his sisters Mary and Eileen and to all his extended family and friends.
Funeral details as follows:
Lying in repose at the Wilton Funeral Home, Sarsfield Road of Jerh. O’Connor Ltd. tomorrow Saturday (Aug 10th) from 2.00pm followed by removal at 4.00pm to Church of the Real Presence, Curraheen Road, Cork. Requiem Mass will take place on Monday at 12 Noon. Funeral afterwards to St. James’ Cemetery, Chetwynd.