Gaelic Games

Former Dublin footballer and manager Paddy Cullen dies aged 80

As goalkeeper he was a four-time All-Star and won three All-Ireland medals

Former Dublin manager Paddy Cullen. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Former Dublin manager Paddy Cullen. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Seán Moran
Thu Feb 06 2025 - 23:50

The death has taken place at the age of 80 of Paddy Cullen, the former Dublin All-Ireland winning goalkeeper after a long illness.

He played for Kevin Heffernan’s team that won the Sam Maguire in 1974 and went on to manage the county in the early 1990s, reaching an All-Ireland final and winning the 1991 league title.

A four-time All Star, he was known for his extrovert good humour but also played a major role in Dublin’s success, saving a penalty in the breakthrough 1974 All-Ireland final against Galway.

Previously a soccer goalkeeper, he came to the notice of the Dublin selectors in 1967 and played with the county until 1980, winning three All-Ireland medals.

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In 1990, he took over from Gerry McCaul as Dublin manager, leading the team to a first league success in 13 years in the 1991 final against a Kildare side managed by Mick O’Dwyer, the former Kerry manager and nemesis of the Dubs in the 1970s and 1980s.

Dublin would win one Leinster under his guidance and reach the 1992 All-Ireland final where they lost to Donegal after which he retired.

Late last year he attended a 50th anniversary reunion of the Heffernan team from 1974.

Seán Moran

Seán Moran

Seán Moran is GAA Correspondent of The Irish Times