Billy Quinn from Rossestown, Thurles was born on October 5th, 1935 and began his hurling career with Rahealty winning 4 in a-row Mid Tipp Minor hurling titles from 1950-53 and also won the Tipperary County Minor Final in ’53. Billy also won Croke Cup, Dean Ryan and Harty Cup medals with Thurles C.B.S.
His prowess quickly caught the eye of many in the Tipperary hurling circles and in no time at all Billy had 2 All-Ireland and 3 Munster Minor Hurling medals to his name. His late brother Dick was also on some of those successful teams at club, school and county with Billy.
Billy won his first Munster Minor Hurling medal in 1950 and in ’51 he linked up again with the Tipperary minor hurling team but it proved to be a short season as Tipp lost their provincial title to Cork.
1952 proved to be a far more profitable year when Billy won his second Munster medal following Tipp’s demolition of Clare in the Munster Final. Tipp marched on to meet Dublin in the All-Ireland Final and in similar fashion to their provincial final, Tipp gave Dublin a trimming as Billy secured a much sought after All-Ireland Hurling Minor medal.
The following year 1953 Billy was appointed captain of the Tipperary Minor team as Tipp went on to claim back to back provincial and All-Ireland titles leaving Limerick and Dublin (again) in their wake. It was a joyous occasion for Billy who also collected the cup as captain. Billy also played Minor football with Tipperary in ’53.
Billy was promoted to the Tipperary Senior Hurling ranks in 1954 and won a National Hurling League medal scoring three goals from the full forward position as Tipperary defeated Kilkenny 3-10 to 1-04 in the final, his marker that day was Pat “Diamond” Hayden.
In 1955 Billy along with his brother Dick won Mid and County Tipperary Senior Football titles with neighbouring parish Loughmore who they lined out with under a gentleman’s agreement. He also won a second Mid title in ’56 but lost the county final to Clonmel Commercials.
At inter-county level a few lean years followed for Tipp before Billy moved to London for a short spell.
Returning to Dublin some three years later Billy joined Faughs winning a couple of county titles with them and subsequently lined out for Dublin.
However, a change of rules saw non-Dublin players dropped from the team shortly afterwards which brought an end to Billy’s inter-county career.
Billy’s son Niall would later line out for the Dublin hurlers at minor level before going on to build a distinguished career as an international soccer player.
In later years Billy moved back to Tipperary and settled near the village of Ballinure with his wife Mary.
He was interred in Ballinure cemetery on Jan 19th, following Requiem Mass in Killenaule parish church.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
