Edel Quinn was born in Grenane in the parish of Castlemagner Kanturk Co Cork in a house known locally as the Magpie House. She was born on 14 September 1907. Her father, Charles Quinn, a native of Tuam Co Galway, was manager of the National Bank in Kanturk.
Edel’s mother’s maiden name was Louise Burke Brown of Kilmihal, Co Clare. Her mother wanted her to be called Adele after one of her own sisters and the priest mistakenly took her name to be Edel at her baptism in Castlemagner.
The family moved to Clonmel where she went to school at the Loreto Covent and six years later the family moved to Cahir where the sisters of mercy prepared her for her first communion.
Her father transferred to Enniscorthy in Co Wexford and later to Tralee where Edel was taught by the Presentation Sisters. Finally, the family moved to Dublin where she continued with her interest in music, dancing and tennis. From there she went to a boarding school in England. With her education finished Edel got a job as a secretary to a tile company in Dublin. After a short space of time her boss wanted to marry her and she turned him down. She said that she was promised to another. She had decided to give her life to God.
Edel joined the Legion of Mary after attempts to join the Poor Clare Nuns was turned down since she was diagnosed with TB. After becoming a Legion of Mary envoy in 1936 she set out for East Africa. For 8 years she worked as a missionary in Kenya, Uganda, Tanganyka, Nyasaland and the island of Mauritious. She travelled on foot, on bicycle, ox cart and truck sometimes under dreadful conditions and eventually bought an old car for £65.
Edel’s missionary spirit and love of God and his blessed mother never faltered but her work took a toll on her health. She spent months in various hospitals and great concern grew for her well being. Edel never gave up. She planned more missionary work and accepted her fate without question.
Edel died in Niarobi Kenya on 12 May 1944. Her journey from the cradle in Castlemagner had ended. Edel is buried in the mission cemetery in Niarobi. A marble celtic cross marks her grave. Reports of favours granted through her intercession are being filed.
Pope John Paul VI said Edel Quinn is an inspiration to young people in this restless age. Edel is well remembered in Castlemagner. A statue of her was erected in the catholic church grounds in Castlemagner by the parishoners. A week of devotion is held in Castlemagner each May to pray for her intercession and canonisation.