John Quinn

John Quinn was born in Co. Meath. His father was a Garda sergeant stationed for a time in Ballivor, where John spent his earliest years. He has just published his memoirs “Goodnight Ballivor, I’ll Sleep in Trim”.  John went to boarding school in Ballyfin, Co. Laois. He then trained as a teacher but had his career interrupted with a bout of TB. He spent a year in a sanatorium recovering. This is where he met his wife to be, Olive, who sadly passed away in 2001. Their two daughters live abroad and his son lives in Bray. 

In the 70’s John left teaching to work as a radio producer in RTE. His programme, "The Open Mind", was very popular and through his work there he met many famous people from all walks of life - politics, education, literature.

John has many books to his credit, for both children and adults.  His children’s books include:

"Summer of Lily & Esme" which won the Bisto Book of the Year, an adventure story involving the relationship between 2 dotty old ladies and a young boy.

"Duck and Swan", an adventure story set in Galway.

"Bill and Fred", Shortlisted for the Bisto award.