Tributes paid to Limerick man of the highest integrity

TRIBUTES have been paid to an Abbeyfeale man, whose heroics “will forever be remembered in Irish history.”

Corporal Tadhg Quinn passed away peacefully at home, in Port, Abbeyfeale, following a brief illness, in the care of his loving wife and family.

A humble man, in Abbeyfeale Cpl Quinn was known more for his ability to repair any washer or dryer, no matter how far gone it was, than his battlefield heroics.

However, the Limerick native was one of the Irish Army's 35th Battalion, serving as part of the United Nations Operation in the Congo in 1961, which came under attack in what would become known as The Siege of Jadotville - an event that would later go on to inspire a movie.

Cpl Quinn is one of five men recommended for the two highest military honours: the MMG (Medal for Military Gallantry) and DSM (Distinguished Service Medal) for services in the Congo.

Tributes have poured in from across the country for Cpl Quinn, with Minister of State Niall Collins, expressing his condolences, describing Quinn as a man of “the highest integrity and humility.”

“He was an outstanding man of incredibly strong integrity and character. the events that he took part in will forever be remembered in Irish history,” Mr Collins added.

Like his fellow soldiers, Cpl Quinn’s heroics would not be recognised by the Irish state until 2016, when the Irish government awarded them all a Presidential Unit Citation.

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However, Cpl Quinn will be remembered in his home town for his kindness, his humility and his ability to fix household appliances.

On the condolence website, RIP.ie, one tribute said that Cpl Quinn was “so much more than the sum of his many parts, we know Tadhg’s loss will be immeasurable to all who loved him.”

His loss will be felt most by those closest to him, his loving wife Kathleen, his children Donal, Diarmuid, Maria, Helena and Caitriona - as well as his wider family and friends.