Steven McDonnell remembers standing on the sidelines with Conor Quinn as he roared with pure passion and encouragement for his younger brother.
The Killeavy native was Paul Quinn’s biggest fan since he was able to kick a ball and he watched his sibling grow into an Armagh under-21 player.
On Tuesday night, Conor tragically lost his life and shook the GAA community in the club, in the county, and beyond.
Only a day later, in a show of pure heart and resolve and an unbreakable bond with his brother, Paul Quinn lined out for Armagh against Down in the under-21 Ulster football championship.
A perfect minute's silence was observed at the game tonight for Conor Quinn & incredible courage was shown by Paul Quinn (10) to play. #GAA pic.twitter.com/Nutyj9vCVZ
— Jerome Quinn (@JeromeQuinn) March 15, 2017
The Orchard county advanced to the semi-final with seven points to spare, beating neighbours Down 2-13 to 0-12.
Quinn played over 50 minutes before he was brought off to a heartbreaking ovation by the Killeavy faithful who travelled in their numbers to support such a brave young man.
On The GAA Hour, Steven McDonnell told the moving story of an emotional night in Newry.
“Unfortunately, Paul’s brother Conor, who I played with for over 10 years, tragically died on Tuesday. There was a lot of emotion building up and going into that game for Paul last night,” McDonnell explained.
“But he made the brave decision and brave call for such a young lad to go and represent his county, given the circumstances.
“He had great support and backup from Killeavy. There was a great turnout because the word had spread that Paul was going to participate in the game. In such tragic circumstances, you have to applaud the young fella for having the heart and courage to go and play in such a big match.
“Conor was an active playing member of Killeavy and he gave his life and soul into Killeavy football over the last 20 years or so. Conor was certainly Paul’s biggest fan and there’s no doubt that he would’ve wanted nothing else but for Paul to go represent Armagh last night.
“He was taken off with about seven or eight minutes left. It was such a sad scene, an emotional scene, because he did fill up but it meant so much to him to go and represent his county.”
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