Sir, - May I add my voice to that of your obituarist regarding the late Prof David Quinn?
D.B. Quinn was the outstanding Irish historian of his generation. More than that, he ranks among the outstanding historians of the English-speaking world of the 20th century.
His work was original, his research thorough and meticulous, and his judgments sound. His output was prolific and he continued to publish late in life. His work was seminal and will last, continuing to inspire future generations of historians.
The quality of his scholarship, as far as Irish history is concerned, was heightened by his ability to evaluate Irish historical questions on a wider plane and to place Irish history in a wider context. One can but agree with the judgment of your obituarist that "his publications will be his monument".
I met him once and we discussed a research project of mine (yet to be published) in which he showed a keen interest and encouraged me in my work. This reflected his intense passion for historical inquiry and his commitment to scholarship.
In every respect he was a scholar and a gentleman. - Yours, etc.,
A.F. O'BRIEN, Department of History, University College, Cork.