Death of Ballivor native broadcaster and writer, John Quinn
Sergeant's son produced 'Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep in Trim'
The death has occurred in Galway of the Ballivor native former RTE producer, broadcaster, and writer, John Quinn.
John, who had been living in Clarinbridge, Co Galway, died at University Hospital Galway, on New Year's Day.
Best known for his memoir 'Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep in Trim', a radio documentary which became a book and a docufilm, John had a treasure trove of material from his work as a broadcaster and radio producer with RTE for some 27 years. He was also an accomplished author and writer of fiction and non-fiction, including 'Sea of Love, Sea of Loss' a tribute to his late wife, Olive McKeever of Navan. 'The Summer of Lily and Esme' won him the 1992 Children's Book of the Year Award, and he was chosen by former Meath GAA manager Sean Boylan to co-pen his autobiography, 'The Will to Win'.
'Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep in Trim' recalled his childhood as the sergeant's son in the Meath village, and the characters and traditions of the era.
In recent years, he has been producing little gems, published by Veritas, including 'Gratias: A Little Book of Gratitude', 'A Book of Beginnings', 'Daily Wisdom (Leánn an Lae)' and 'Stolen Moments' offering thoughts and reflections on life.
The last tome, a compact 400 page work, 'Homage', was 'A Salute to Fifty Memorable Minds', and is drawn from the many interviews and documentaries he worked on over the years.
Botn in Ballivor in 1941, he was educated at the local national school and the Patrician Brothers at Ballyfin, Co Laois. After teacher training at St Patrick's, Drumcondra, 1959-61, he taught for 10 years before being appointed general editor at Fallon's education publisher.
He joined RTE as education officer in 1975, becoming a radio producer in 1977, and first produced 'Education Forum' (1979-89) and later 'The Open Mind' (1989-2002). He edited 'The Open Mind Lecture Series' (1999), with contributions from Gordon Wilson, John Hume and George Mitchell; his interview series with Ewan and Peggy, on the Ewan McColl and Peggy Seeger won a Jacob's Award.
Retiring from RTE in 2002, he received a Degree in Literature from University of Limerick the following year. His children's books sold over 30,000 copies.
A regular contributor of poetry to the Meath Chronicle on events of significance, he edited 'A Little Book of Ledwidge' on the centenary of the death of the Slane poet in 2017.
In October of 2024, to mark the opening of the new St Kinneth's library in the old Church of Ireland building in Ballivor, a special night was held to celebrate the life and memories of John Quinn. A special showing of 'Goodnight Ballivor, I'll Sleep in Trim' preceded an evening of John recalling the Ballivor of 50 and 60 years ago.
Predeceased by his wife, Olive; brother, Noel; and sister, Kay; John is survived by his son, Declan, and daughters, Lisa and Deirdre; grandchildren, Eva, Georgia, Riley, Callan and Senan; his sister, Mary, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and his RTE colleagues and friends.
He is reposing at Suaimhneas on the grounds of the Church of the Annunciation, Clarinbridge, Co Galway, (H91HW58), this Sunday 4th January from 5pm to 6.30pm. Funeral Mass on Monday 5th January at 1pm in Church of the Annunciation, Clarinbridge, which can be viewed on parish website http://www.clarinbridgeparish.ie. Burial will take place on Tuesday 6th January at 1pm in Shanganagh Cemetery, Shankill, Dublin (A98Y952). Family flowers only. Donations if desired to St Vincent de Paul.