Feargal Quinn fondly recalled in Finglas

THE passing of former supermarket kingpin and senator, Feargal Quinn, was met with great sadness across the Northside last week.

Born in Dublin, Quinn opened his first store in Dundalk in 1960 and five years later his first in the capital in Finglas Village.

He brought his own personality and bit of showbiz glamour to the Irish supermarket industry and both staff and customers remember his as a helpful, kind and personable gentleman.

Local councillor Paul McAuliffe (FF), said there had always been a special relationship between Quinn and the people of Finglas.

“Coincidentally, I spent the morning of his passing meeting people beside the famous 'Hands' statue which Feargal commissioned in the village,” he said. “Many in Finglas claim their hand to be one of those cast in bronze but it is safe to say that Feargal walked 'hand in hand' with us and we will not forget him.

“Feargal, who was renowned for his expertise in customer services, honed these skills on the shop floor in Finglas by working with the people of our community.He was decent and gentle to those who met him and generous with his time.

“Thousands of people in the area started and ended their careers working alongside him and his team, where they pioneered retail best practice in Ireland. They included my uncle Myles Lawlor who passed away suddenly while at work in the bakery.

“It was Feargal himself who came to my grandmother's home to sit with her and pay his respects after Myles died so suddenly. I know many in my family will be thinking of the Quinn family today as will families across Finglas.”

Cllr McAuliffe posted his comments on Facebook and other locals added their thoughts on Quinn’s passing.

“A true gentleman who treated staff and customers with respect,” said Marie Duffy. “Present day supermarkets could learn a lot from him. May he rest in peace.”

Graham Rosarius said: “He was the only one that gave disadvantaged people in the area a chance. He treated everyone the same. Gentlemen. Sadly missed.”

Linda O'Sullivan said: “I remember sending him a letter as a child about Superquinn and he sent me a book and a lovely letter. He was a gentleman.”

Readers of Northside People also paid tribute to Quinn on our Facebook page after we posted a photo of Superquinn in Finglas.

“I remember it very well,” said Kevin O'Donoghue. “I used to do my shopping in there most days of the week. I had very many fond memories of both the shop and its brilliant staff as well. Bless them.”

“Always got the Superquinn sausages from Finglas branch. Best sausages by far,” Shaz Ann posted.

Sandra Taylor recalled working in Superquinn Finglas as her first job.

“Our Nanna lived just up the road so we used the stay on Friday nights to get up early for work on Saturdays,” she said.