Paddy Cullen, Dublin’s Legend, Passes Away at 80
The passing of Paddy Cullen, a pillar of Dublin Athletics Association (DAA) football, sent shockwaves through the Gaelic games community. Cullen, who served both as a goalkeeper and manager, succumbed to illness at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of remarkable achievements and iconic moments.
A Career Pinned in Glory: From Goalkeeper to Manager
A native of O’Connell’s Boys, Paddy Cullen embarked on his professional journey with Dublin in 1966. His 13-year tenure between the posts proved to be exceptionally fruitful, with three All-Ireland championships and four All-Star awards to his name. Known for his prowess as a goalkeeper, Cullen carved out a place in the hearts of Dublin fans through his pivotal saves and performances in crucial matches.
The Famous ‘Freak’: Dublin’s Triumph against Galway
Cullen’s most celebrated save came in 1974 when he thwarted Galway’s Liam Sammon’s penalty in a match where Dublin emerged victorious with a scoreline of 0-14 to 1-06. This particular victory set the stage for the legendary Dublin side, widely known as 'Heffo’s Army,' to dominate in subsequent years. Under manager Kevin Heffernan, Dublin won two of the next three All-Ireland titles and dominated the Leinster Provincial league, securing six consecutive titles.
TheDublin/Kerry Rivalry’s Most Controversial Moment
Perhaps the most notorious moment in the Dublin and Kerry rivalry involved, ironically, a goal that Paddy Cullen didn’t score. During a bid for their third consecutive All-Ireland title in 1984, Kerry squeaked through with victory. In a now-infamous incident, Cullen was mistakenly credited with picking the ball off the ground, leading to the concession of a free-kick to Kerry. Mikey Sheehy seized the opportunity to score what many termed 'the greatest freak of all time.' This moment remains one of the most controversial in GAA history.
Managerial Glory and a Final Swansong
In 1990, Cullen transitioned from playing to management, taking over from Gerry McCaul as the Dublin manager. Leading the side in their first year, Dublin secured their first league title in 13 years against Kildare under the guidance of Mick O’Dwyer. Despite another bid for All-Ireland glory, Kerry triumphed in the 1992 final, marking Cullen’s final game as manager. His contributions that season merited him a fourth and final All-Star award.
A Lifelong Love for Dublin
Paddy Cullen’s bond with Dublin GAA extended far beyond his playing and coaching stints. His participation in the 1992 All-Ireland final, tagging along as a player to support and advise, exemplified the profound connection he had with the club and the sport he cherished so deeply.
A Legacy to Remember
Cullen continued to support Dublin and the sport he loved immensely until his passing. Commemorated annually by a day of reflection and celebration, his memory lives on in Dublin GAA circles. Born in 1943, he celebrated his 80th birthday in November 2023, surrounded by his wife Ann, and adult children Liz, Anthony, and Andrew. His legacy as a formidable goalkeeper and a dedicated leader left an indelible stamp on the GAA landscape.
As we remember Paddy Cullen, DGAA fans and the greater Gaelic games community acknowledge a life dedicated to the betterment of sport and the spirited unity of a city through its shared love of football.
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