Connect with us

News

Legion and Chamber lead tributes to Johnny Culloty

Published

8 months ago

on

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce and Legion GAA Club have led the tributes to Johnny Culloty, the Kerry football great who was laid to rest on Thursday.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce expressed its condolences to the family, friends, and clubmates of the late Johnny Culloty, a GAA legend and one of the town's greatest sportsmen.

Culloty was proud of Killarney and contributed to the development of young players. The Chamber noted the Culloty family's presence in Killarney's commercial life, with sons Donal and Seanie running businesses.

"Everybody of a certain vintage will know all about Johnny Culloty’s prowess as a footballer, a hurler, a basketball player, a rower in regattas and as a golfer. No doubt, those that are still too young, will read all about him in the sporting annals in the years to come," the Chamber said.

"He was undoubtedly one of the greatest sportspeople this town has ever produced and we don’t see his likes too often. Many tributes have been paid to Johnny since his passing and it is clear that he will be remembered as a true genius on the field and a pure gentleman off it."

Legion GAA Club, where Culloty was a Vice President, also paid tribute.
PRO Enda Walshe said:

"Killarney Legion GAA are saddened to hear of the passing of Johnny Culloty. And while that honour [of Vice President ] fell to Johnny in later years it was his lifelong achievements that made him stand out as arguably the town's greatest achiever in the colours of Kerry."

Culloty won five All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals and captained Kerry to victory in 1969and became the first Killarney Legion man to bring the Sam Maguire Cup to Killarney.. He won numerous Munster titles. Initially a forward, he transitioned to goalkeeper after a knee injury. He also won National Hurling League titles and an All-Ireland Junior medal.

After his playing career, Culloty managed Kerry to three National League titles and a Munster Championship. He later served as a selector. He also played basketball for the Busby Babes.

"While all his achievements at National level are well documented it would be incalculable to even attempt to measure his influence within Killarney Legion," Walshe said. "I remember a period when the club Under 14 boys team won seven East Kerry titles in a row in the 1980s, all coached by Johnny.

“At the time the juvenile players may not have been aware of the enormity of their coaches reputation throughout the country and Johnny certainly didn't broadcast it either, given his modest and unassuming manner. But what he did pass on was his huge understanding of the game and his astuteness always stood out."

Both organisations expressed sympathies to his wife, Joan, sons Donal and Seanie, daughters Brid and Orla, his in-laws, grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

Requiem Mass was held at St Mary's Cathedral on Thursday morning, followed by burial in Aghadoe Lawn Cemetery.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Gleneagle Concert Band cast in major Hollywood Film

  Members of The Gleneagle Concert Band have been cast in a major Hollywood movie currently filming in West Cork. The WWII biopic is inspired by Hollywood legend James Stewart’s […]

Published

4 hours ago

on

14 October 2025

By

 

Members of The Gleneagle Concert Band have been cast in a major Hollywood movie currently filming in West Cork.

The WWII biopic is inspired by Hollywood legend James Stewart’s life, highlighting his time as a combat pilot after putting his entertainment career on hold to join the U.S. Army Air Corps.
It’s set to be the biggest film production filmed in Ireland this year, with a U.S. release scheduled for November 2026.

Band Musical Director Vincent Condon said the opportunity came about through a mix of curiosity and perfect timing.

“I read that a major film was being shot in West Cork and got in touch to see if they needed a band. Wartime movies often feature military bands, and they were delighted that I reached out. The film required an all-male band under 25, which is historically accurate. Filming took place at the start of October, and it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

Band Manager Ciaran Lynch described the experience as unforgettable.

“The band was excellent. We did everything asked of us with no fuss, and it was amazing to see how a major movie comes together. In a year or so, we’ll be able to sit in the cinema with our families and point to the screen saying, ‘We were part of that!’”

This latest experience follows the band’s highly successful summer tour to Seville and Gibraltar, where they performed alongside the Midleton Concert Band beneath Seville’s spectacular Las Setas structure. The trip marked the band’s eighth international tour, continuing a proud tradition of representing Killarney abroad.

With opportunities ranging from international tours to movie sets, the Gleneagle Concert Band continues to give its members unique and creative musical experiences both at home and overseas.

Anyone interested in joining the band or enrolling for instrumental lessons is encouraged to get in touch on 087 222 9513.

Continue Reading

News

Local schools launch initiative to promote healthy technology use for children

Published

4 hours ago

on

14 October 2025

By

Holy Family NS Rathmore, Raheen NS, Meentogues NS and Shrone NS have teamed up with three other schools on the Cork side of the border to launch an innovative project called Agree to Agree.


This is a community wide effort to help families navigate the challenge of children and technology.


The initiative encourages parents of primary school pupils to make a voluntary pledge around healthy technology use at home.


For younger pupils, this includes keeping children smartphone-free, following age-appropriate guidelines for games and apps, and staying off social media during primary school years.


For older pupils who may already own phones / devices, the project suggests practical steps such as reducing screen time, keeping phones out of bedrooms, avoiding age-inappropriate apps, and learning about digital citizenship and online safety.


In the coming weeks, children will bring home information packs and families will have the chance to sign the voluntary agreement. Two parent webinars are already scheduled for October 26 and February 26.


This Pilot was funded by the Department of Education and Skills under the then Minister of Education and Skills – Norma Foley TD. Schools were invited to participate through Tralee Education Support Centre Director, Terry O’Sullivan.


The other participating schools are Ballydesmond NS, Kiskeam NS, and Knocknagree NS.

Attachments

Continue Reading