In The News

Oldest man in Northern Ireland passes away

Oldest man in Northern Ireland passes away

THE death has taken place of Cyril Quigley who was 106 and had been Northern Ireland’s oldest man.

The death of the East Belfastman also end’s the city’s last living-link to the Titanic. Mr. Quigley had been 4-and-a-half-years old when the ship was launched in 1911, but had never forgotten being taken by his parents to witness the event.

He was guest of honour when the Titanic Belfast building was opened in 2012. At the time, he had recalled his memories of the launch day, explaining how he had seen “this big thing sliding out into the water”.

A chartered accountant, Mr. Quigley had been for many years the financial director of the Ormeau Bakery in Belfast.

He had a long association with CIYMS Rugby Club and was a past president of the club. He had also been a Freemason for more than 73 years.

The First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness led tributes to Mr. Quigley. Both had met him at the Titanic Belfast opening.

Mr. Robinson said: “Cyril was a highly regarded member of his local community in east Belfast. As Northern Ireland’s oldest men he was our living link to Belfast’s maritime history. He will be sadly missed.”

Mr. McGuinness said: “I had the honour of meeting Cyril last year at the opening of Titanic Belfast. It was a fitting tribute to have him as the special guest at the opening of the iconic building.”

Mr. Quigley passed away last Thursday (April 25) at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald. His wife Greta had passed away in 1983. He survived by his children Barbara and Drew.

His Funeral was held on Tuesday, April 30. For full details, click here.

View previous In the News items: Man who provided famous flag passes away, MASH actor Allan Arbus passes away, Tributes are paid to folk singer Richie Havens, Author E L Konigsburg passes away, Tributes are paid to record producer Andy Johns, Graphic designer Storm Thorgerson passes away, Hillsborough justice campaigner Anne Williams passes away, Thousands line the route for funeral of Baroness Thatcher, Conductor Sir Colin Davis passes away, Comic genius Jonathan Winters passes away, IVF pioneer Sir Robert Edwards passes away, Queen to attend funeral of Baroness Thatcher, Remains of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda exhumed, Robert Zildjian of cymbals fame passes away, Tributes are paid to great Irish actor, Jane Henson of Muppets fame passes away, Musician and critic Solly Lipsitz passes away, Record producer Phil Ramone passes away, Tributes are paid to actor Richard Griffiths, Former Elvis backing singer Gordon Stoker passes away, Motown producer and songwriter Deke Richards passes away, Tributes are paid to trumpet player Derek Watkins, Jazz musician Bebo Valdes passes away, Horror writer James Herbert passes away, Bobby Smith from the Detroit Spinners passes away, Comedy actor Frank Thornton passes away, Jazz band leader Terry Lightfoot passes away, Comedian Norman Collier passes away, Black Death burial ground unearthed in London, Former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr passes away, Last of the plotters against Hitler passes away, Tributes are paid to former sports presenter Tony Gubba, Welsh born Princess Lilian of Sweden passes away, Canadian country legend Tom Connors passes away, Tributes are paid to jazz trumpeter Kenny Ball, Rock guitarist Alvin Lee passes away, Bobby Rogers of The Miracles passes away, Tributes are paid to former businessman Sir George Quigley, Remains are returned to Donegal after 180 years, Classical pianist Van Cliburn passes away, Former Temptations singer Richard Street passes away, Former aircraft company chief Sir Philip Foreman passes away, Tributes are paid to the designer of the Daleks, Award winning animator Bob Godfrey passes away, Kevin Ayers of sixties band Soft Machine passes away, Beatles pay tribute to early collaborator Tony Sheridan, Gameshow host Derek Batey passes away, Tributes are paid to the actor Richard Briers, American country singer Mindy McCready is dead at 37, Tributes are paid to screenwriter Alan Sharp, Film special effects expert Petro Vlahos passes away, Government agency updates service for bereaved relatives

If you have a relative or a friend who has passed away and feel they should be mentioned in our In the News section, then please email us.