Marc (18) remembered as ‘an unassuming and polite young man’

2 February 2022

THE funeral of a teenager who died in a road accident near Castlewellan at the weekend takes place later today.

Marc Quinn died after being struck by a car on the Newcastle Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.

It is believed that Marc, who celebrated his 18th birthday last Wednesday, was walking home when the accident occurred shortly before 1.30am.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, but sadly died a short time later.

Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.

The funeral cortege will leave Marc’s home in Annsborough today at 1.15pm for Requiem Mass in St Malachy’s Church in Castlewellan at 2pm, to be followed by interment at St Mary’s Cemetery, Aughlisnafin.

Marc was a talented Gaelic footballer who was a senior player for Aughlisnafin GAC.

His mother, Jenny, is the club secretary, and his father, Garry, is a former player. His brothers, Ruairi and Ryan, both play for the club.

In a statement on social media, the club said: “Marc was an extremely talented and committed footballer for Aughlisnafin GAC from a five year-old playing at every grade and was looking forward to making his senior debut this season.

“Marc won U-12.5 and U-14 championship medals and captained the U-14 East Down league winning side.

“He has also represented his school team St Malachy’s HS with distinction and was part of the Down GAA U-14 and U-15 development squads.

“He also enjoyed his time with Baile an Locha minors and also a time with our friends and neighbours Liatroim Fontenoys to play U-17 football in his own grade.

“He made many friends wherever he played. He will be sorely missed by all his club mates and friends both in and out of the club. “Such an unassuming and polite young man, who was extremely well thought of both within our club and wherever he went.

“Words cannot begin to convey the heartbreak we feel for his beloved parents Garry and Jenny, for his brothers Ruairi and Ryan, and the extended Quinn/Grant family circle and friends. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“On behalf of the Quinn/Grant family we thank all those clubs and individuals who sent messages of support. They are a measure of comfort to the family at a very difficult time for them.

“As a mark of respect all club activities are cancelled until after the funeral.”

Tributes have been paid by a number of other local GAA clubs.

St John’s GAC said on Facebook: “Marc was very close to our hearts here at St Johns GAC as he was a member of our Ballylough amalgamation team. He will be fondly remembered by his team mates and coaches here at the club.

“We would like to send our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the Quinn family and everyone at Aughlisnafin GAC.

Kilcoo GAC, who won an All-Ireland senior club semi-final on Saturday, said on Facebook: “It is with the deepest regret we write this message today after our famous victory yesterday.

“Marc Quinn, an 18 year-old boy and a member of the Aughlisnafin GAC club was tragically killed last night. Marc is a nephew of Mary McEvoy, wife of Barry.

“Eoghan Rua Cill Chua sends our deepest and most sincere sympathies to the Quinn/McEvoy families and everyone at Aughlisnafin GAC.”

Castlewellan GAC said: “Like everyone in our community and the surrounding area, we are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of 18 year-old Marc Quinn as a result of a road accident in the early hours of last Sunday morning.

The executive committee and members of CLG Naomh Maolmhaodhóg, Caisleán Uidhilín, wish to extend our deepest sympathies to his mother and father, Jenny and Gary, his brothers, Ruairi and Ryan, and the entire Quinn family circle at this most difficult of times.”

Among the other local GAA clubs to offer condolences are Liatroim, Drumaness, Saul, Ardglass, Bright and the RGU club in Downpatrick.

A number of politicians have expressed their condolences to Mr Quinn’s family.

Local SDLP councillor Hugh Gallagher said the family were devastated and described Mr Quinn as a “gentleman” who everyone in the area knew.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” he said. “He was a gentleman and a quiet young fella.

“The traumatic aspect of it as well is the young man who lost his life is a son and a brother.

“It’s a very sad day for the whole community. It is a very close-knit community and they will rally round and support the family.”

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said it was never easy to lose a loved one, especially in “such difficult circumstances and such a young age”.

UUP councillor Alan Lewis thanked the emergency services and said the tragedy was another reminder that Northern Ireland’s roads are an “ever present danger”.

Alliance councillor Andy McMurray said it was “heart-breaking” and added that the local GAA community had suffered a huge loss.

The PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dash-cam footage, to contact them on 101 quoting reference 166 of 30/01/22.

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