Late Sergeant Patrick Cullen leaves treasured memories that will always be cherished

Tributes have been paid following the sad passing of Sergeant Patrick Cullen, Aghawerriny, Curraghroe on Sunday,  November 16th at Galway University Hospital, following a period of illness, bravely borne. 

Born 59 years ago to Ruth and Paddy Cullen in Sydney, Australia, it was clear from a young age that Patrick showed great leadership qualities. Indeed it has been said that Pat was a soldier long before he ever put on a uniform. 

By the early 1970’s, the family was moving homewards to Ireland, and following periods in both Warwickshire and Dublin, Pat went on to join the school community in the Vocational School in Lanesboro, completing his second level education in 1984. In the intervening years, his time in the Reserve Defence Forces really gave him a taste for army life, and it was no surprise when he expressed a very strong interest in joining the Defence Forces.

At a stage, following the completion of his Leaving Certificate, he went to England to pursue employment, but he was delighted to get the opportunity to enter into military life in Ireland, starting recruit training with the Defence Forces in Columb Barracks, Mullingar. Moving on, he was happy to take up post in Connolly Barracks in Longford, where he started his long army career by honing his administrative skills in the orderly room.

It was during this period, in the late eighties and early nineties, that he completed a number of tours of duty as a UNIFIL Peacekeeper in the Lebanon, based at Camp Shamrock in Southern Lebanon. During this time, he seized the opportunity to travel extensively, visiting the Holy Land, Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus, among others, always grabbing any opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and experience other cultures and traditions. 

Following on from his period of service in Connolly Barracks, he served as acting quartermaster in the Reserve Defence Forces in D Coy, Roscommon for an extended period of time. During a career with the Defence Forces, which spanned over 40 years, he rose to the rank of Sergeant with the A Coy, 6th Battalion, Custume Barracks Athlone.

He was a man with an inquisitive nature and an enquiring mind, who loved to travel and learn the history of the places he visited. History and politics were firm favourites of his and he loved to read all manner of books, particularly those on the Roman Empire. As a child of the 1960’s, music was naturally in his blood and as a country lad, he had a great love of animals and country life. Pat was a religious and spiritual man, and on the occasion of his marriage to Josephine, they enjoyed the distinct honour of meeting with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican.

His passing leaves  all with heavy hearts but with treasured memories that will always be cherished. His remains reposed at Smyth’s Funeral Home, Roscommon on Tuesday,  November 18th. On Wednesday, his remains were removed from his home to St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh for Mass of the Resurrection, with burial taking place afterwards in Kilgefin Cemetery. Sergeant Patrick Cullen was buried with full military honours with the GOC 2 Brigade and the Director of Reserve in attendance.

Mass of the Resurrection was concelebrated by Bishop Paul Connell, Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, Fr. Daniel Udofia, P.P, St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh, Fr. Michael McGrath C.C, St. Mel’s Cathedral, Longford and Fr. Declan Shannon, Chaplain, Custume Barracks, Athlone, with the beautiful music in the church performed by Derek Mahady, accompanied on flute by Cpl. Jack Brennan, Band 2 Brigade, Custume Barracks, Athlone. The Cullen family acknowledge the compassion and care shown to Patrick during his illness and conveyed their appreciation to everyone for their kindness and support at this difficult time.

To his wife Josephine, sons Paul, Patrick and John, his daughter Maria, his mother Ruth, his brother Craig, his sister Siobhán, his granddaughter Esme, his extended family, many friends and his Defence Forces colleagues,  sincere sympathy is extended.

Month’s Mind Mass for Patrick will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Ballagh on Saturday, December 20th at 7.30 p.m...

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.