Danny Quinn. Winning an All-Ireland but losing my wife

Danny Quinn. Winning an All-Ireland but losing my wife

Author: BBC Radio Ulster January 27, 2026 Duration: 59:54

Danny Quinn is one of those special people you come across in life. Kind, respected and loved. He's the Principal of Anahorish Primary school, where Seamus Heaney was taught how to read and write. He won an All-Ireland with Derry in 1993, captained Bellaghy to Ulster club success and Croke Park. He also won a Sigerson with St Mary's, living with the now Tyrone Manager Malachy O'Rourke for a period of time. There's quite a bit of chat around for Armagh goalkeeper Benny Tierney too. Great times.

Danny's wife Catherine died in May 2011 after a double lung transplant. Hope turned to despair. She was 42. Catherine is from the well-known and respected Murray family of Ballinascreen. Rivals of Bellaghy in football, now connected always. This is the story of a man, losing his wife and raising three kids by himself. Amy, Conor and Dara are all grown up and life is good, just a different upbringing.

Organ donation is important to Danny, he doesn't want pity- nor needs it. "I'm very lucky. Lucky to come from the GAA, lucky to come from Bellaghy"

The glass is always half-full, but he's not a great fan of Crossmaglen. Boxing (legal and illegal) paints much of the Bellaghy/ Crossmaglen story. Two clubs with huge respect for each other off the pitch. From an intimate portrayal of getting on with life, to boxing the head of Jim McConville, this is an outstanding podcast.

PS- Danny though we had stopped recording, twice. We didn't.


From the pitches and clubhouses across Ireland, The GAA Social captures the heartbeat of Gaelic Games. This BBC Radio Ulster podcast goes beyond the weekend's scores to explore the people and passions that define hurling and Gaelic football. Each episode sits down with the figures who shape the sport, from legendary players and sharp-tongued managers to the dedicated officials behind the scenes, weaving their personal stories into the larger tapestry of the GAA. Alongside these in-depth conversations, you'll find thoughtful pundit discussions that dig into the tactics, controversies, and sheer athleticism on display. It’s a space where the camaraderie, local rivalries, and community spirit of the games are given a voice. Tuning in offers more than analysis; it’s an auditory journey into the culture and characters that make these sports a way of life for so many. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or newly curious, this podcast connects you to the raw emotion and shared history etched into every match.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The GAA Social
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