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Legion and Chamber lead tributes to Johnny Culloty
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.
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