A stalwart in G.A.A. circles, Mr. Tom Cullen, a fluent Irish speaker, an author, and an accomplished sportsman in his day, passed away peacefully at his home at Belleek, Co. Fermanagh.

News of the well-known father of three’s death on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, has been met with shock and sadness in Fermanagh and neighbouring counties, where Tom, a retired member of the teaching profession, was held in high regard.

A native of the county, Tom was born near Belleek and he was educated at Belleek Primary School and De La Salle Schools in Ballyshannon, before continuing his studies at University College Dublin.

He took up a teaching appointment in De La Salle College, and served as its Vice Principal. He had been an Assistant Principal in Colaiste Colmcille in Ballyshannon prior to his retirement.

De La Salle teams were coached to Ulster and All Ireland glory by Tom, who in 1980 saw his team become the first team from Donegal to win an All-Ireland in Croke Park. In fact, he used to say it took a Fermanagh man to show them how to win this honour!

A former Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of the Erne Gaels Club in Belleek, his association spanned many years and he wrote a history of his club, “The making of a Tradition”.

In his schooldays, he was a talented hurling player and footballer, having played for Donegal. He also played hurling for Fermanagh and was a former Secretary of Fermanagh Hurling Committee.

His talents as a sportsman were recognised when he and his fellow team members won two Fermanagh Senior Football Championships and five Fermanagh Senior Hurling Championships. In addition he represented Fermanagh and Ulster Colleges on the Ulster Council.

Tom was well-known for his fluency as an Irish speaker and for many years he had been Oifigeach na Gaeilge in the county. He did Irish teaching for Fermanagh District Council in the Intec Centre, Enniskillen, until 2013.

Tom wrote a number of histories, which included the history of the G.A.A. in Ulster “Beart De Reir ar mBriathair”. One of his major publications in more recent years was “A Gaelic Tradition, A History of the G.A.A. in Fermanagh” - which chronicles the fortunes of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Fermanagh. The book, which celebrates the centenary of the foundation of the County Board on July 4, 1904, was compiled and edited by Tom, whose son Niall was also an author of the book.

“Gaelic Galore”, a book and tape for beginners in the Irish language was also published by Tom, along with a teaching colleague Joe Gillespie. In addition, Tom published poetry in both English and Irish.

The Honorary President of Erne Gaels Club until 2012, he served on Coiste Bainisti of Comhairle Uladh where he was Cathaoirleach of Coiste na Gaeilge agus Oidhreachta until 2008.

He was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth (formerly Cleary), a native of Belleek, who passed away in December 1994.

Their three sons are Niall, Rossa and Conleth, who survive them.

The Cullens lived at Cloghore, near Belleek for over 30 years. In latter years Tom moved to The Acres, where he died last week; it was actually close to where he was born.

His funeral was held on Saturday past at St. Patrick’s Church, Belleek and was celebrated by Parish Priest, the Rev. Fr. Beggan. The homily was delivered by the Parish Priest of Ballyshannon, the Rev. Fr. O’Fearraigh, a friend of Tom’s.

Tom is survived by his sons - Niall and wife Siobhan; Rossa; and Conleth and partner Karla. He also leaves one grandson Jarlath.

Also surviving Tom are his sister Mary and his three brothers, Barney, Robbie and Charlie.