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'Devastated' parents grieve for stabbing victim Gerard Quinn

Murder victim Gerard Quinn (left) pictured with his twin brother Michael who was also injured
Murder victim Gerard Quinn (left) pictured with his twin brother Michael who was also injured Murder victim Gerard Quinn (left) pictured with his twin brother Michael who was also injured

THE GAA in Derry has led tributes to murder victim Gerard Quinn.

The 24-year-old was stabbed in an altercation at a house party in the Currynierin area of the Waterside on Saturday night.

His twin brother Michael also suffered a head injury but was discharged from hospital yesterday afternoon.

It is understood Gerard was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle after coming to the aid of his brother.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested shortly after midnight yesterday and was last night still said to be assisting with enquiries at Strand Road Police Station.

Chief Inspector Michael Harvey said police were called to Milldale Crescent in the nationalist estate shortly after 10.25pm on Saturday.

The victim, who had a two-year-old daughter Grace, was taken to nearby Altnagelvin hospital where he later died.

A post mortem is due to take place today.

Waterside parish priest Fr Michael Canny said his parents Gerard and Rose were in "complete devastation" following the tragedy.

Former club chairman Eugene Gavins knew the victim well and said he was a hugely popular member of the club.

“He would have played in the last senior game. Gerard played either half back or half forward," he said.

"The GAA was the big focus of his life; he was very dedicated to the organisation and the club.”

Mr Gavins said everyone at the club was hugely shocked by the news.

“The Quinns are a huge GAA family; his uncle was a former secretary and the family was always involved in the club. For Gerard, it was everything; he loved the club and the GAA.

“Gerard would have been excited and getting ready to go over to Celtic Park today for the championship game (Derry v Tyrone).

“He was always first out to training (at McCourt’s field) and worked hard at his game and was an example to the other boys on the team."

A minute's silence was held at the Ulster championship quarter-final yesterday in memory of Mr Quinn as well as former GAA president Joe McDonagh.

A former pupil at St Patrick's and St Brigid's College, he was also a soccer player with Nierin Football Club and a spokesman paid a heartfelt tribute.

"Absolutely devastating and heartbreaking news this morning of the passing of one of our own Gerard Quinn. You were always up for the craic and always had a smile on your face on and off the pitch . I think I can speak for everyone at Nierin FC when I say we all have lost a great friend too soon."

Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson said there was huge shock in the immediate area and wider Derry community yesterday and urged people to show calm.

"Gerard was very well known in the area and tributes show how well thought of he was."

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan also said the people of Derry had woken up to shocking news.

“The loss of a young man in any circumstances is absolutely tragic but to have had someone with their whole life in front of them murdered like this will be particularly devastating for his family and his community."

Tributes were also paid on Mr Quinn’s Facebook page.

One friend said: “You literally were one of the best people I ever met and don’t think I have many memories of happiness that don’t have you in the middle of them and I swear I’ll cherish every moment of them.”

Another described Mr Quinn as one of the “kindest” people she knew.

“It was only Friday night we were having a drink together, dancing round my kitchen wey (sic) not a worry in the world. Am so glad to have grown up with him and having the pleasure of calling him one of my best friends. Sleep tight angel.”

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey thanked the local community for their support so far in the investigation and appealed for anyone else with information to come forward.

"We have had an excellent response with a good number of people coming forward providing us with important information which is vital in assisting us with our enquiries."