The Late Gerry Quinlan Mr Gerry Quinlan of Avondale Drive, Hanover, Carlow who died on Friday 1, September 2003, was a dedicated family man whose sudden passing has created a huge void in the lives of those near and dear to him. Gerry, who died at home, had been ill health for the months prior to his death. He was hospitalised in St. James in Dublin and St. Luke's Kilkenny during the final months of his illness. Despite his illness, Gerry continued to live life to the full. A native of Bestfield, Athy Road, Carlow, Gerry was son of the late John (Pim) Quinlan, who was on the Carlow Leinster SFC final winning team of 1944, and Lilly Quinlan. Gerry married Mary Moran from Pollerton Road and they had seven children - three boys and four girls. His life was dedicated to his family first and foremost and, to the many friends the had, he was a true friend. Gerry would have reached the age of 60 on September 30. Some might say it was a short life but those who knew Gerry will know he lived every minute of it to the full, in the company of family and friends. In the early 1960s, Gerry worked with Erin Foods and later transferred to the sugar factory, where he rose to the position of supervisor. During his years with Irish Sugar, he was involved with the Union Section Committees and Works Committees, where he served as an officer for several years. Gerry held the position of I.T.G.W.U. branch president for two years and represented the Carlow branch at national level for the same period. He also made time to be deeply involved in the committees of Carlow Workman's Club and O'Hanrahans GFC, with which he enjoyed a lifetime association. He served as treasurer of Carlow Workman's Club for two years and was vice-president of the O'Hanrahan's Club up to his death. In his younger days, Gerry was an enthusiastic athlete, winning a number of trophies for the sport. The Quinlan household divided on the football side, with the sons playing for both the Blues and Éire Óg. A lot of people thought Gerry was an Éire Óg supporter and when asked this question, Gerry would reply: "I am a Blues man and a Willie Quinlan supporter," referring of course, to his son Willie's involvement with the great Éire Óg team of the 1990s, when Gerry followed their performances the length and breadth of the country. Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife, Mary, his three sons, John, Willie and Ger, and his four daughters Sandra, Michelle, Louise and Elaine, his nine grandchildren, his sister Marie Quinlan, who resides in England, his daughters-in-law and with his extended family. The remains were removed on Saturday August 2 from Carpenter's Funeral Home, Barrack St., to the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, where they were received by Fr. Ger Cushen, CC. The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Ger Ahern, Adm., Carlow and Fr. O'Connor from Tipperary, a family relative. Burial took place immediately afterwards in St. Mary's Cemetery. Courtesy of the Nationalist September 12th 2003 Tweet

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