Warm tributes paid to Meath man who died on pilgrimage

Louise Walsh

Tributes have been paid on the death of a popular emergency services volunteer who died suddenly in Medjugorje yesterday (Tuesday)

It's believed that Eamonn Quinlivan was having breakfast when he took ill and passed away a short time later in the company of friends.

The 71-year old from Navan was with a local parish group on pilgrimage when the tragedy happened about 7.15am Irish time.

The pilgrimage was led by Oldcastle's singing priest Fr Ray Kelly who performed at a charity concert while there.

Eamonn was well-known in the county as a member of the Irish Red Cross and the Order of Malta.

He was also a valued member and former secretary of ten years of the  Meath River Rescue Services.  He played an integral part in fundraising for a new club house in Navan for the group in recent years.

Expressing his loss, chairman of the Meath River Rescue, Christopher Rennicks said: "Sincere condolences to my colleague and friend Eamonn Quinlivan on his sudden passing this morning (Tuesday) in Medjugorje.

"Thank you Eamonn for being my friend and thank you for all your voluntary help and first aid expertise with the group.

"You did an awful lot for Meath River Rescue and your support was always appreciated.

"A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven.  We part with our beloved Eamonn in pain."

Eamonn is due to be flown home in the coming days.  He is survived by relatives and may friends.