Waterford GAA club mourns loss of retired garda with 'passionate love for the game of hurling'

A Waterford GAA club has paid tribute to a former selector, administrator and supporter Joe Cullinan who passed away on Wednesday.

A retired garda originally from Crusheen, Co Clare Joe had "immersed himself" in the De La Salle club where he served on many committees and coaching roles over the years, including the minor championship winning team of 1989, alongside his three sons lining out for the club.

Joe is predeceased by his parents Timothy and May, his sister Mary and brother Michael. He "will be sadly missed by his loving wife Teresa, sons Brendan, Owen and Rory, brother Jim, sisters Bernadette and Clare, grandchildren Chloe, Laura, Abbie, Ben, David and Maeve, daughters-in-law Tara and Olive, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends," according to the death notice on RIP.ie.

Paying tribute to Joe, De La Salle GAA Club said in a social media post: "All in De La Salle GAA are saddened to hear of the recent death of Joe Cullinan, RIP."

"Joe was from Crusheen in Co Clare always remaining loyal to his roots in the Banner and often travelled home for club games. He got great joy from Crusheen's championship success in recent years in addition to Clare's All Ireland wins.

"Joe arrived in Waterford City as a young Garda in the seventies where he settled and reared his family along with his wife Teresa. Joe had a passionate love for the game of hurling and with his three sons attending our local St Stephens School and playing with our club, he immersed himself in De La Salle GAA club where he served on many committees and in many selectorial roles.

"He was also instrumental in attracting new players to the Club & mentoring their development through the age groups. 

"Most notably Joe was a selector on our minor championship winning team of 1989. He took great satisfaction from De La Salle's county and Munster championship successes from 2005 to 2012. In recent years even through ill-health Joe remained a loyal club supporter and attended any match he could.

"To his wife Theresa sons Brendan, Owen and Rory, grandchildren and extended family we extend our deepest sympathies. 

"Ar deis lámh Dé go raibh a anam," the post concluded.

Joe’s funeral mass took place yesterday, Saturday, in St. Joseph and Benildus Church, Newtown with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.