Northern Ireland

Co Down GAA club says footballer Marc Quinn 'made many friends wherever he played'

Marc Quinn (18) was described as a 'extremely talented and committed footballer'. Picture from Aughlisnafin GAC/ Facebook
Marc Quinn (18) was described as a 'extremely talented and committed footballer'. Picture from Aughlisnafin GAC/ Facebook Marc Quinn (18) was described as a 'extremely talented and committed footballer'. Picture from Aughlisnafin GAC/ Facebook

Marc Quinn "made many friends wherever he played", his GAA club said following news of his tragic death.

The 18-year-old from the Castlewellan area died after he was struck by a car on the Newcastle Road in his hometown in the early hours of today.

It is understood he may have been at a friend's 18th birthday party before the crash happened.

Police said Mr Quinn, who was a pedestrian, died following the collision with a Black Kia Sportage shortly before 1.30am.

"He was treated at the scene, however sadly died in hospital a short time later," a spokeswoman said.

The young man was a senior player with Aughlisnafin GAC, which said it was with a "very heavy heart" that it shared news of his death.

He was the son of the club's secretary Jenny and former player Garry and brother of senior footballer Ruairi and U15 footballer Ryan.

"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," the club wrote on social media.

"Marc won U12.5 and U14 championship medals and captained the U14 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 U14 and U15 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 U17 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 with the club.

"Such an unassuming and polite young man who was extremely well thought of both within our club and wherever he went."

Kilcoo GAA, which secured their place in the All-Ireland senior club final on Saturday, also wrote on Facebook: "It is with the deepest regrets we write this message today after our famous victory yesterday.

"Marc Quinn, an 18-year-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."

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath also expressed his "sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marc Quinn".

"It is never easy to lose a loved one but particularly in such difficult circumstances at such a young age is particularly tragic and will come as a shock to the entire community," he said.

"I would appeal to anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist the police as soon as possible."

Friends of the young man have also paid tribute to him on social media.

One wrote on social media: "What a genuine guy and such a good friend, he'll never be forgotten", while another added that he was "an absolute gent".

Another friend said he was "such a kind funny and genuine lad".

The teenager is survived by his parents Gary and Jenny, brothers Ruairí and Ryan and wider family circle.