Arthur Quinlan facts for kids

Arthur Quinlan (born January 15, 1921 – died December 22, 2012) was a famous Irish journalist. He worked for The Irish Times newspaper. Arthur was known for his amazing interviews with important people. He spoke with politicians, kings and queens, and even movie stars. His career lasted over 50 years!

He was a very important person in journalism. Arthur was the first Irishman to fly a jet across the Atlantic Ocean to New York in 1958. He was also the only Western journalist to interview the famous revolutionary, Che Guevara. People said he was a "master" at getting big international news stories. His work was read all over the world.

Early Life and Education

Arthur Quinlan was born in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up in a place called Quin in County Clare. He went to University College Dublin (UCD). There, he studied English literature and history. He also helped edit two student newspapers.

A Career in Journalism

Arthur Quinlan started working for The Irish Times in 1945. He often worked from Shannon Airport. This airport is the most westerly in Europe. It was a very important stop for planes flying across the Atlantic. Arthur would simply drive his old car to the airport to meet people.

He interviewed many important leaders. He spoke with every U.S. President from Harry Truman to George H. W. Bush. He also interviewed several leaders from the Soviet Union.

Arthur once shared some of the famous people he interviewed. He spoke with many members of royal families. These included the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret. He also interviewed Grace Kelly, who was a famous actress and later a princess.

He even interviewed Captain Charles Lindbergh. This was after Lindbergh's son was kidnapped. Once, Arthur got an interview with George H. W. Bush about the Middle East at 4 AM. American journalists were very surprised that an Irish reporter got such a big story!

Arthur Quinlan had some interesting experiences. He taught Fidel Castro how to make an Irish coffee. He was also the only Western journalist to interview Che Guevara. Che Guevara told Arthur about his Irish family connections. He said his grandmother had Irish roots in Galway. Later, Che and his friends visited Limerick. They returned wearing shamrock sprigs. This was because Shannon and Limerick were getting ready for St. Patrick's Day.

Arthur retired when he was in his 80s. He joked that he had "handed in his gun" to The Irish Times.

Awards and Special Recognition

Arthur Quinlan was a special "member of honour" of the National Union of Journalists. People in the media often called him "Mr. Limerick" or "Uncle Arthur." In 1982, he helped make a big change. He successfully suggested that women should be allowed to join the Shannon Rowing Club. Before that, women were not allowed. The club's main boat ramp is even named "Arthur" to honor him.

Later Life and Passing

Arthur Quinlan passed away in Limerick in December 2012. He would have turned 93 the next January. He was survived by a son and two daughters. His wife, Vera, had passed away shortly before him. Many people remembered him fondly, including Fergal Keane from the BBC.