THE Bolton rounders fraternity will pay its respects today to Joe Quinlan, who died suddenly last week at the age of 78.

He was introduced to rounders in 1952 when he went to watch his girlfriend, Edna, whom he later married, play in a match. That experience led to almost 60 years of devoted service to the sport as team manager, referee and league official.

He had the distinction of having a team adopt his name and, from the late 60s to the early 80s Quinlan’s Xl topped the Bolton Sports Federation Ladies Rounders League honours list on a regular basis, winning several league titles, the Chadwick Cup five times and the Dixon Shield.

Joe also had a keen interest in football, but it was his involvement in rounders for which he was most famous. He once said “Rounders is the game I love”.

He served in a variety of roles on the BSF League committee, eventually being made an honorary member. He was an Interleague manager, had a spell as vice-chairman and in his time as chairman he worked on the sub-committee that, over a three-year period, re-wrote the rules, which are unique to rounders in this part of the world.

His dedication as one of the sport’s longest-serving and best known stalwarts was recognised in 1995 when he received the BSF League’s Crystal Award for services to rounders.

Mr Quinlan leaves a wife, Edna, and son Gary.

His funeral takes place today at 2.45pm at Overdale East Chapel.