Waterside tragedy: Family '˜completely devastated'

PACEMAKER BELFAST 22/05/2016
A 16-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Derry. Police said they received a report at about 22:25 BST on Saturday that a 24-year-old man had been assaulted in Milldale Crescent during an altercation.
He was taken to hospital but later died. Another 24-year-old man also received injuries to his head but they are not believed to be serious. Picture PACEMAKER PRESS — PACEMAKER BELFAST 22/05/2016 A 16-year-old youth has been arrested in connection with the murder of a man in Derry. Police said they received a report at about 22:25 BST on Saturday that a 24-year-old man had been assaulted in Milldale Crescent during an altercation. He was taken to hospital but later died. Another 24-year-old man also received injuries to his head but they are not believed to be serious. Picture PACEMAKER PRESS

Waterside priest Fr Michael Canny met with Gerard’s parents, Gerard and Rose Quinn from Curryneirin and other relatives, yesterday.

Father-of-one Gerard Quinn died followed after what police believe was an altercation at a gathering if people in the Milldale Crescent on Saturday night.

Mr Quinn, who was a senior footballer with St Mary’s Ardmore Gaelic Athletic Club, was pronounced dead a short time later after being taken to hospital.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out today to establish the cause of death.

A 16-year-old youth arrested shortly after 12am on Sunday is still in custody helping police with their inquiries.

After meeting with Mr Quinn’s family Fr Canny said:

“It is complete and total devastation. They are literally shocked and silenced by what has happened. “They are in total disbelief as to how this could happen and struggling to come to terms with what has occurred.

“Gerard had a two-year-old daughter. He comes from a big family and they are very well known about Ardmore.

“This is a life changing situation for a whole lot of people and has changed lives for ever.”

Tributes to Derry man Mr Quinn have been posted on social media, with many of those who knew him expressing their shock and sorrow at his death.

St Mary’s Ardmore Gaelic Athletic Club were among those to express their condolences.

The club posted on Facebook: “The club would like to extend their condolences to the Quinn family on the sudden passing of Gerard. Ar dheas Dé go raibh a anam.”

In a second post, the club added: “Following the tragic death of our senior player Gerard Quinn, as a mark of respect there will be no football activity at all this week for any age groups (underage up to senior). Our thoughts are with Gerard’s family and friends.”

Meanwhile PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey said yesterday: “At this time it is my belief that there was some sort of altercation in the Milldale Crescent area and another man was also assaulted though his injuries are not life threatening.

“A 16 year old male was arrested shortly after midnight and is currently assisting us with our enquiries at Strand Road Police Station.”

Detective Chief Inspector Harvey continued: “I would like to thank the local community for their support in this investigation.

“We have had an excellent response with a good number of people coming forward providing us with important information which is vital in assisting us with our enquiries.

“Anyone who has any information that they think could help but hasn’t yet contacted us is asked to get in touch with detectives at our Incident Room at Maydown Police Station on 028 7137 9793 or alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”