Paddy Cullen RIP

Dublin GAA are saddened by the passing of Paddy Cullen. 

Paddy was a key part of the historic 1970s team, managed by Kevin Heffernan, that captured the 1974 All-Ireland title- Dublin's first win in 11 years. 

His penalty save from Galway's Liam Sammon in the '74 final (image above) is one of the most iconic images in Dublin GAA history. 

Paddy, a member of the O’Connell Boys club, played in six All-Ireland Finals in-a-row between 1974 and 1979, winning two further All-Ireland titles in ‘76 and ’77. 

He also won six Leinster titles, two National Football Leagues and one Railway Cup. Paddy's talents were recognised with All Stars in 1974, '76, '77 & '79. 

He played for 13 seasons with Dublin, becoming one of Gaelic Games' greatest ever goalkeepers until his retirement after the 1979 season. 

Paddy went on to manage Dublin for two seasons between 1990 – 1992, leading Dublin to the National league in 1991. He managed Dublin during the epic Dublin v Meath Leinster Championship saga in '91, which required four games to separate the sides. 

Paddy would guide Dublin to a Leinster title in '92 and an All-Ireland appearance against Donegal later that year.

Dublin County Board Chairman Ken O’Sullivan said: 

“Paddy Cullen was not only a giant of Dublin GAA as part of Heffo’s Army, but also an inspiration to so many that would follow in his footsteps.

"The Dublin GAA community is saddened by his loss. Paddy's impact on Gaelic Games in the capital will forever endure in the memories of the Dublin supporters.

"A true Blue and an absolute gentleman, may he rest in peace”. 

Dublin GAA pass on our condolences to Paddy’s wife Ann, his family, former teammates and friends. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.