Tributes have been paid following the passing of primary school teacher, club stalwart and father-of-three, Declan Cullen.
A teacher at St Malachy’s, Edendork, for the last 30 years, Declan taught alongside his wife Veronica and was remembered as a “role model” by many former pupils.
One past pupil wrote: “What a man… heartbreaking news! The impact Decky had on myself and my school peers will be remembered forever. He was an incredible role model, form tutor and mentor. I will be forever grateful and I pray he’s resting in eternal peace.”
Another said: “We had the absolute privilege of travelling to Romania with him for a school trip. We had the best week of our lives and we all still talk about Declan to this day in the highest esteem. What he did for those kids and how he helped them in that poor country is something we will carry with us forever.
“He was such a genuine, understanding teacher who cared and wanted all his pupils to do well, even when they left the classroom. There weren’t too many like Declan!”
Former colleagues also shared their memories.
One said: “Declan was a gentleman. Kind and thoughtful, with a great sense of humour and a love for life. A pleasure to know and to work with. He changed many young lives for the better and will be sorely missed.”
Another tribute read: “Declan was a man who will be fondly remembered by all of his pupils for his sense of fairness, fun and his great love of young people. Declan was a man of integrity and gave his life to the education of so many in our town. That is his legacy.”
Away from the classroom, Declan was a stalwart of his local club Edendork. Involved in every aspect of the club – from playing, coaching and mentoring – he also served as vice-chairman, PRO and was a key member of the committee.
News of his passing was announced on Edendork’s Facebook page late on Tuesday night. The club said:
“Our club and the entire Edendork community and beyond are deeply saddened at the passing of Declan, someone who we all held in extremely high regard. He was a wise head, renowned for sound advice and always ready, with no job too big or too small.
“The Cullen family have made a major contribution to the Edendork club but Declan’s contribution was far beyond the average.
“As a player he played reserve football until his 40s and will always be remembered for his bulky knee bandage and the three points he scored against Urney in his final game.
“On the committee side of the club he has been vice-chairman, club registrar, PRO and would have been a key member of our finance and fundraising committee. His contribution on the playing field cannot be underestimated. He coached many of the underage boys’ and girls’ teams in football and camogie.
“He was very prominent at the early stages of the introduction of ladies’ football in the club and went on to manage the senior ladies’ football team. In recent years he has coached and managed numerous other club teams.
“One of his primary roles, and one carried out with absolute diligence, was that of statistician for the senior team. He will always be remembered with his clipboard along the side of the pitch and his contribution to the half-time and full-time analysis.
“As a teacher for over 30 years he has been respected and loved by all his pupils where he dedicated his life to educating the youth.
“While Declan dedicated so much of his life to St Malachy’s, Edendork, first and foremost in his life was his wife Veronica, his children Conor, Luke and Eva, his brothers Darragh and Mark, his sister Darena and, in recent times, the apple of his eye, his granddaughter Alice. He will be remembered as a true family man.
“Declan bore his illness with great strength alongside his cousin and great friend Rusty and it is now fitting that they will be laid to rest close together. Veronica has been the mainstay of the caring for Declan and has devoted the last year to be with him every minute of the day. Her strength during this period has been admirable and, along with the family, they will gain great consolation knowing that Declan was happy in their care.
“He will also be missed in Baldo’s bar where his company, humour and wit was enjoyed by many. He had his favourite seat at back of the bar and was always happy there with a newspaper, pint of Guinness and an Ireland rugby match on TV or his beloved Liverpool FC playing.
“His smile and craic will be greatly missed by the Edendork club and community where he adored everything Edendork, especially when Conor, Luke and Eva were playing.
‘A Naomh Maolmhaodhóg, guigh air.’”
A death notice describes Declan as the beloved husband of Veronica (née Donnelly) and cherished father to Conor (Laura), Luke and Eva. He was the devoted grandfather of his granddaughter Alice.
He was the much-loved brother of Darena (Seán Óg), Darragh (Brenda) and Mark (Sandra), and the devoted son of the late Luke and Mairead, RIP. He is deeply regretted by the entire Cullen and Donnelly family circles.
Declan will repose at his home, 42 The Vale, from 7pm on Tuesday.
House strictly private from 10pm and on the morning of the funeral. Car park on Farlough Road.
Removal will take place on Thursday at 11.15am for Requiem Mass in St Malachy’s Church, Edendork, at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
May he rest in peace.
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