JOHN QUINN

It’s with sadness we must report the passing of John Quinn at a good age in recent days.

John was one of the most famous names in greyhound racing for many years and leaves a lasting legacy on the sport.

A successful owner, breeder and trainer, some of the best greyhounds of the past fifty years passed through his hands. These include Im Slippy, who provided John with his finest night in the sport as he captured the 1983 English Derby at White City.

A sensational tracker, he would return to Ireland and emerge a sensational winner of the National Sprint at Dunmore before being named Greyhound of the Year. He would later go on to become one of the most influential sires of modern times, throwing many superstars including Murlens Slippy.

John owned and trained the latter himself to reach both an English and Irish Derby decider in 1986. Much like his sire, Murlens Slippy would also go on to become a brilliant sire. To this day, many of the top bloodlines featuring the name of either Im Slippy or Murlens Slippy. 

Originally from Dungivenin county Derry, John would spend many years in the UK, becoming a leading handler before retiring back to Ireland soon after the turn of the century.

A great character, he was a joy to be around and leaves behind many great friends in the sport. We would like to take this opportunity to pass on out sincerest condolences to his wife Peggy, his children Mark, Sharon, Billy, Carl, Adrian, Joanne, Claire and Cathy, his beloved grandchildren, greatgrandchild, brother William, extended family and many friends.

May Her Rest In Peace.

Funeral Notice

We regret to inform you that the death has taken place of John Joseph Quinn peacefully at Foyle Hospice on 3rd of February 2026. May he rest in peace.
Late of Cornfield Care Centre and historically from The Grange, Dungiven, Co Derry.
Beloved husband of Peggy (née Friel) and
loving father of Mark (Claire), Sharon (Vincent)Doherty, Billy (Rosaleen), Carl (Patricia), Adrian (Nyree), Joanne (Stefan)Gibson, Claire (Ciaran) and Cathy (Paul).
A devoted and witty grandfather of Olivia & Rocco, Aine, Niamh, Shauna & Aoife, Charlie & Ann, Hannah, Sean & Maria, Sullivan & Grace, Annabel, Ivor & Shannon, Eva, Ben, Cate & Anna, Noah & Maisie, also a loving great grandfather.
Dear brother of William (Bridget) Quinn.
Deeply regretted by the Quinn and Friel family circles.
John will be waked at Sharon & Vincent’s home - 856 Glenshane Road, Dungiven. You are welcome to call on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th from 11am to 10pm.
Funeral on Friday 6th of February 2026 leaving Sharon & Vincent’s home at 1.20pm for 2pm Requiem Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Dungiven. Interment immediately afterwards in the adjoining graveyard.
Requiem Mass can be viewed via the church webcam
https://mcn.live/Camera/church-of-st-patrick