Tributes have poured in for former Hibs’ inside forward Pat Quinn, who sadly passed away on Sunday at the age of 84 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Pat was part of that wonderful but under-rated Hibs’ side of the sixties who were sandwiched between the Famous Five and the Turnbull’s Tornadoes, and is still fondly remembered by the older fans who were privileged to have seen him in action.
He featured in Hibs’ memorable win over Real Madrid in a challenge match in 1964 then entered the history books as the club’s first-ever substitute to play in a competitive game when he replaced Joe Davis near the end of a 5-1 defeat against Clyde at Shawfield in November 1966.
He wrote his name into Hibs fokelore the following year with a never to be forgotten hattrick in a 4-1 win at Tynecastle then a few weeks later he starred in the club’s famous 5-0 win over Italian giants Naples.
He later returned to Easter Road as Bertie Auld’s assistant for a spell in the early 1980s, helping the club to promotion back to the Premier League.
Old friend Davie Gibson who vied with Pat for the inside left position for Scotland in the early 60s told the Edinburgh Reporter: “ I have many fond memories of Pat and was so sad to hear the news that he had passed away. I was friendly with some of the famous ‘Ancell Babes‘ through my pal Billy Hunter and got to know Pat and Ian St John well. They all came to watch me play for the King’s Own Scottish Borderers in Berwick when I did my national service although they only stayed for the first half and went for a pint at half-time.
“Pat moved to Blackpool but what many people don’t know is that Leicester City wanted him first. The coach Bert Johnstone however believed that Pat wouldn’t have been able to play with winger Mike Stringfellow as he was the type of player who always wanted to be on the ball whilst Mike liked to get the ball and take on the full-back.
“Bert went to Parkhead and saw me play for Hibs against Celtic and at half-time he phoned the Leicester manager and told him under no circumstances to sign Pat as he has seen the chap for us.
“That changed my life and Pat went to Blackpool. I played against him a few times and he was brilliant. He was like a general on the park and could caress that ball but unfortunately I never got the chance to play with him for Scotland as we were both inside-lefts.
“I’d like to send my condolences to his family.”
Other tributes appeared on social media with a thread on popular fans’ forum Hibs.net whilst Hibernian FC tweeted: “His memory marches on.”
The Hibernian Historic Trust tweeted: “The Trust is saddened to learn that Pat Quinn who played for the club in the ‘60s has passed away aged 84. Pat was the first ever Hibernian FC substitute to be used in an official domestic fixture and featured in a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid.”
The Hibs Club tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of former player Pat Quinn. We’re sure fans of a certain vintage will have special memories of Pat. Our thoughts are with his family. You’ll not see nothing like the mighty Quinn.”
East Fife tweeted: “ It is with great sadness that the club learned of the passing of former player and manager Pat Quinn. Pat will be remembered for leading his side to promotion in 1971. East Fife FC would like to pass on our condolences to Pat’s family and friends.”
Motherwell FC tweeted: “We are saddened to hear of the death of Pat Quinn, one of our famous Ancell Babes and the age of 83.”
Partick Thistle tweeted: It was with sadness that we learned of the passing of Pat Quinn. Pat was part of the coaching team at Thistle working under Bertie Auld for a number of years. The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with Pat’s family and friends at this time.”
The SFA tweeted: We are saddened to hear about the passing of former Scotland international Pat Quinn. Pat won four caps for Scotland during a playing career that saw him represent Albion Rovers, Motherwell, Blackpool, Hibs and East Fife who he would go on and manage.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
