Larry still taking on the treadmill at 90

By Mary Dennehy

TURNING 90 last week, Tallaght native Larry Quinn has no intention of letting his age push him off the treadmill – with the former Saggart paper-mills worker continuing to visit the gym six days a week.

An inspiration to his friends and family, Larry was born in 1926 and lived on the Old Bawn Road before moving to Tallaght Village with his family.

After meeting his wife Margaret, who passed away ten years ago, Larry moved to Perrystown – where he raised five children while holding down a number of jobs, including a bread-run and a stint in the Swiftbrook paper mills in Saggart.

Larry always had an interest in sport, especially Gaelic football, and played with St Mary’s in Saggart and Thomas Davis on the Kiltipper Road – also volunteering with some of the clubs’ juvenile teams.

However, it’s his current dedication and passion for the gym that is inspiring many – with Larry visiting the Carlisle Gym in Kimmage six days a week for a swim and to train on the treadmill.

Larry told The Echo: “I love going to the gym in the morning for a swim and the treadmill.

“I started about 10 years ago and I’d be lost without it now.

“Not only does it keep me fit but I’ve also made so many new friends.”

Last week, Larry’s friends in the Carlisle Gym threw a surprise 90th birthday party for the man who inspires them all to keep going.

“I couldn’t believe it when I walked in,” Larry said.
“I can’t thank the lads in the gym enough for the party and their friendship.”

When asked what his secret to a long and healthy life is, Larry said: “It is definitely a bonus that I can still go to the gym and can still drive and all. I put my wellbeing down to never drinking or smoking.”

Larry, who also got a blessing from the Pope for his 90th birthday, wished to thank his friends and the staff at Carlisle Gym for the surprise birthday bash.