Mickey Quinn of Longford
Longford legend Mickey Quinn, who first made his name as an Aussie Rules record-breaker 15 years ago, has called time on his inter-county football career.
The 34-year-old Killoe man confirmed his retirement via a brief message on X (formerly Twitter) which read: “On to the next chapter. 13 good years.”
GPA chief executive Tom Parsons paid warm tribute in response, tweeting: “Congrats Mickey Quinn, class player, leader and role model for @LongfordGAA and as a player rep for the @gaelicplayers (GPA).”
Longford GAA followed up with their own glowing testimonial, declaring: “What a phenomenal contribution to Longford football by Mickey Quinn who, after 13 years and 139 appearances, has decided to hang up his inter-county boots.
“Thank you, Mickey, for the unforgettable memories, the incredible matchdays, and for being a shining example to countless young supporters who saw you as their hero. Your service to Longford GAA has been truly exceptional and we wish you well in the future.”
Quinn’s lengthy county service came after his initial trailblazing exploits with the oval ball Down Under.
The then 18-year-old Longford minor signed as an international rookie with Essendon in November, 2008, following trials earlier that year. He soon smashed Marty Clarke’s record for the quickest AFL debut by a GAA player, in round two of the 2009 season.
In total he spent three years with Essendon, making eight AFL appearances, but returned home after his contract wasn’t renewed at the end of 2011.
He duly made a seamless senior transition with Longford, helping Glenn Ryan’s charges to land the 2012 Allianz League Division 3 title at Wexford’s expense. His debut season was crowned by an All-Star nomination, while he was capped by Ireland in the 2015 International Rules series at home to Australia.
Quinn’s final season with Paddy Christie’s Longford proved a deflating affair: they squandered a shot at promotion from Division 4 when losing heavily to Wexford on the last day, made a quick Leinster SFC exit against Meath and then lost all three matches in the Tailteann Cup.
Quinn’s swansong appearance came in their heavy opening defeat to Kildare; he missed their last two group fixtures through injury.
