RIP: Late John Cullen was a wonderful story teller and loved sharing memories of growing up in Cavan

The death took place in Sheffield, England on October 27, 2023 of John Cullen late of Gartnasilla, Cavan, son of the late John (formerly Drumcorr, Loughduff) and Christine Tierney (formerly Clonlohan, Mullahoran) who was born on August 13, 1931. 

Although he lived in England, John never forgot the place of his birth. He was a wonderful story teller and loved sharing memories of growing up in Cavan. He often told how he walked through the fields to Corlurgan NS where Mrs Crotty inspired his love for Irish poetry and singing. He loved growing up on the farm and working in the fields with his father. 

One of his favourite memories was bringing turf home from Loughduff to Gartnasilla with the horse and cart, stopping in Ballinagh to rest the horse and have a treat. He later worked in Con Reilly's Bar and Grocery on the Main Street in Cavan town which he credited as giving him a great start.

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Like a lot of his age group at the time he travelled to England where he got work in a Cotton Mill in Oldham. While working there he met his loving wife Pat. After they were married in 1956 he studied and became a P. C. in Yorkshire.

When he retired, he joined his son's Alarms business which involved visiting Nursing homes where he often entertained staff and patients with his many Irish poems and stories. 

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John and Pat looked forward to their annual trip home to Cavan, catching up with family and friends. He loved spending time on his farm in Gartnasilla often helping with the hay and checking on the cattle. 

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When he was unable to travel home in recent years, he followed all the Irish and farming news and also kept an eye on all the changes happening in Cavan with his ipad. 

John was dedicated to his wife Pat and children Annette, John, Julie, Thomas and Katy and grandchildren and his sister Teresa, Clonegonnell, and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him here at home and abroad.

Following requiem mass, celebrated by Fr Kevin Fay, in the Cathedral of Sts Patrick & Felim, Cavan on Monday, May 26 last his ashes were buried with his parents in the family plot in Loughduff cemetery. May John rest in peace.

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