TIPPERARY GAA IS mourning the death of All-Ireland winning minor hurler Billy Quinn.

Mr Quinn, the father of legendary Republic of Ireland striker Niall, died aged 80 on Sunday morning.

The Rossestown native won back-to-back All-Irelands at minor level in 1952 and 1953, the latter as captain, as well as three Munster minor titles.

He also won a senior National Hurling League medal, while his career later included spells with Dublin and the Faughs club in the capital.

Tipperary county board chairman Michael Bourke led the tributes on Sunday.

“Men of the quality and calibre of Billy Quinn are unique in the GAA and his arrival on the Tipperary hurling scene at such a young age speaks volumes of his ability,” he said.

“Had government employment policy being different at the time I have no doubt that Billy would have had many Senior All-Ireland medals in his possession along with his two All-Ireland Minor medals.

“On behalf of Tipperary County Board we extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Mary, sons and daughters Rosaleen, Gerry, Anne Marie and Niall and the extended Quinn family on the sad passing of their beloved Billy.”