The club is in mourning after the death of the "father" of the club and one its founding members, Denis (Dinny) Cullen, at the age of 88. Denis was a hugely popular character in the Hacketstown area and a true gentleman who will be sorely missed by the club and the wider community.
After helping to found the club in 1947, Denis, along with brother Matt, played from 1948 to the early sixties. He was an outstanding full-forward on the great Clonmore team which won the Junior Championship in 1950, Senior Championship in 1955, the League & C'ship double in 1956 and were beaten finalists in 1958. He was one of Clonmore’s “big five” who played regularly for Carlow – along with Paks Connolly, Martin Molloy, Jim Fogarty and Mick Connolly – and was on the Carlow panel which played Mayo in the 1954 NFL Final in Croke Park.
After he finished playing, Denis served in various capacities with Clonmore including Chairman in 1975 and was Joint Treasurer for over 30 years. Denis was always an extemely generous sponsor to both our senior and juvenile club down the years and was still attending events up to recently, he even attended the AGM on 10 December 2016. Winner of the Hall of Fame award in 1979, Denis was deservedly elevated to the position of Honorary President of the club in 2007.
A true legend in his own lifetime, the old Irish saying "Ni bheidh a leithead ann arís" is very apt in relation to Denis Cullen because "we will not see his likes again". May his kind soul rest in peace.
The death has occurred of Denis CULLEN
Penny Hill, Hacketstown, Carlow
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Denis Cullen, Penny Hill, Hacketstown, Co Carlow, December 22nd 2016 at Naas hospital. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth (Betty) and father of the late James-Joseph. Deeply regretted by his loving daughters Ann, Geralyn, and Elizabeth, son Matthew, sister Sr Aine, sister of mercy, sister-in-law Alice, sons-in-law Bill, Colm, and Howard, daughter-in-law Frances, grandchildren Colm, Jennifer, Daire, Shane, Ailbhe and Cian, step grandchildren, Rebecca and Ben, step great grandchildren, Dacey and Stanley, extended family and extensive network of friends. May Denis Rest In Peace. Reposing at his home from 4pm until 11pm on Friday 23rd December with removal on Saturday Morning 24th December to St Brigid's Church, Hacketstown, for Requiem Mass at 12 noon, followed by burial in Hacketstown Cemetery. Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to St John's Day care centre Hacketstown.
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