Brian was a great server of the GAA

The GAA community in Co Wicklow and particularly in Avoca lost a great friend with the sad passing of Brian Culleton on May 14.

Brian arrived in Wicklow in the early sixties where he worked on the construction of the fertilizer factory in Arklow, the Avoca Mines and numerous jobs in the area. Originally form Monaghan, Brian had been in England for some time before returning to Ireland. On his return Brian became heavily involved in sport and particularly the GAA. He held numerous positions on the County Board especially at juvenile level.

He was a referee, a linesman and umpire for years and he was also a foreman on the construction of the stand in the county grounds in Aughrim. Although Brian's many friends at County GAA level will miss him he is missed most of all in Avoca and particularly in the Avoca GAA club. His death has left a vacancy in the club which will be very difficult if not impossible to fill. For years Brian drove juveniles around the county and beyond to matches. He was often known to have collected the kids, driving Jim Bolger's bus himself. No matter what was going on down in Rooster Park Brian was always there to help. Whether it was helping at the clubhouse, putting up the nets, marking the field of doing the gate on sports days, we could always depend on Brian. He loved going to Croke Park or wherever following the county teams as well as going to race meetings around Ireland and England. Wherever he went he always had the Avoca GAA tickets in his pocket and is known to have sold tickets in America, England, at race meetings and at matches and other events around Ireland.

Brian supported everything that took place in Avoca. He was involved with the Fitzgerald's Golfing Society, he loved his games of cards and he attended most functions and fundraisers in the area, whether it was for the GAA, Conary United Soccer, St. Pat's Soccer, Avoca Camogie or whatever the lad could always depend on Brian's support. He was always around to help in times of trouble, visiting sick people, helping young lads to stay out of trouble and even when there was a problem with the plumbing or heating in the house the young could call on Brian. Brian, thanks for all the help you gave to the GAA and the whole community in Avoca and beyond. We will do our best to keep the black and amber flags flying for you and we extend out sincere sympathy to your wife Mary and all your family. May you rest in peace forever. -by Michael Fahy, Chairman, Avoca GAA club.

Courtesy of Wicklow People 27/06/12 Tweet

Most Read Stories