The late Mick Cullen The death has taken place of Mick Cullen, one of the finest goal-keepers the St Mullin's club has known. He will be particularly remembered for the part he played for Carlow against Offaly in 1966 when alongside the likes of Pat Somers, Tony Whelan, John Mitchell, Luke Morrisey and Liamy Walsh, Mick and the team almost took the 'Faithful' scalp in the quarter-final of the Leinster Hurling Championship, having beaten Laois in the first round. Mick was a lovely striker of the ball, left and right, a very sure stroke that almost always found a team-mate. He played a mighty part in St Mullins' 1965 championship win, a team that St Mullin's, club honoured at a recent function. Mick was in the best of spirits that night. He was always a lovely, jovial chap and how he enjoyed the craic after the games, especially when he won that final. He also won a SHC medal in 1966. He emigrated to England in 1967 and so lost out in 1968 when his beloved club wont he title again. His home in Surrey was decorated with St Mullin's colours and photographs. Mick's loving wife Josephine and his daughters Hannah and relatives were in utter shock when he passed away in the Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutten in Surrey, aged just 58. Crowds lined the streets as his remains arrived to Duiske Abbey and his former team-mates swelled by many other hurlers from St Mullin's formed a guard of honour from Tinnahinch to the church. Fr Sean Maher, native of Aclare, officiated at the funeral Mass. Readers were Kiera Treacy, Jim Treacy, Marian Kent-Smith, Ciara Doyle and Sarah Cassidy. Hurlers past and present escorted the remains to St Michael's Cemetery, Tinnahinch. Mick was laid to rest alongside his father Tom and mother Hannah. He is survived by his grieving and loving wife Josephine and daughter Hannah, his brother, Larry (Tinnahinch) and Donal (Tipperary), sisters Kay Tracey, Tinnahinch and Bridget Conran, Graignamanagh. Go ndearna dia troicre ar an anam. -Luke Morrisey Courtesy of The Carlow Nationalist 14 July 2006 Tweet

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