THE family of Rossa Cullen have paid tribute to a man who was described as a “civil man” and a “quiet man” as well as an adoring uncle.

In a tribute from his family at his funeral last Saturday, his brothers, Niall and Conleth, told mourners about the man they knew from his early days growing up in Cloghore to his most recent trips to GAA matches where he was an umpire, to his days playing football and hurling for Erne Gaels – a club his family were deeply rooted in.

Rossa passed away peacefully on July 28, with his funeral held last Saturday, July 31 at St. Patrick’s Church, Belleek, before proceeding to Lakelands Crematorium for private cremation.

“Growing up, Rossa had a wonderful set of neighbours and friends. The lawns and yards in Cloghore hosted football and hurling matches, as you would expect, but there were also games of baseball, cricket, tennis, American Football, athletics, assault courses and on more than one occasion, Rossa tried the high jump over an electric fence!

“An invasion of Cloghore would have been futile, as we had built up an armoury of weaponry and surveillance equipment. If it was in Blue Peter, Rossa would give it a go.”

The 39-year-old was an exceptionally bright person, as could be seen through his education as he competed as part of school quiz teams, won a scholarship covering his secondary education books and equipment, before moving on to Maynooth for university.

But despite his abilities, Niall said: “Rossa was modest about his abilities, except with his close confidantes; he did not feel like anyone else needed to know of his achievements, or his abilities.

“Like most things he turned his hand to, he was handy at it, but Rossa loved computing and that was what he wanted to work at, long-term.”

With his computing expertise, Rossa was able to streamline many of the IT systems for his employers, and even created a computer programme that automated the job he was being paid to do.

He took great pride in seeing the businesses he worked for being successful and he loved his job in MPA Agri Supplies, where he set up an online sales system and got a great buzz from seeing people far away spending their money in Belleek.

Rossa was a gifted footballer and hurler. He played for Erne Gaels at all age groups in football and hurling; he played with Rockfield and De La Salle and he represented Fermanagh.

An accident in 1998 could have ended his playing days early. He was initially told he would never walk properly again, but he worked hard and continued playing football into his 30s.

“He would not forgive me if I did not mention the 2000 Erne Cup Final. Rossa, aged 18, played all year at full-back in his first full year back playing football.

“This was before blanket defences, but the score was 0-8 to 0-7 in favour of Kinawley, going into the last few minutes, and Rossa said he was sick of seeing the forwards kick wides, so he sauntered up, got the ball about 40 yards out under the stand, and kicked the equalising point to earn us a replay. He still maintained he meant it.”

Rossa was well-known as an umpire and the last time many people saw him was on TV at a game just three weeks ago.

As a match official, Rossa was highly sought after. As well as working with the Erne Gaels referees, he also worked with other Fermanagh referees and inter-county referees, on occasion.

It did not matter to Rossa who was playing; his sole purpose was he was there to support the referee.

Family was a big part of Rossa’s life, and he would still refer to his siblings by their childhood nicknames, and was also very proud to have taken care of his father, Tom, in the final few months of his life before he passed away in 2014.

His niece and nephew loved him, with Niall adding: “Rossa was an adoring uncle to Jarlath and Grainne. He loved them, and they loved him. Jarlath loved the fact that Rossa would lift him, carry him and do as much horseplay as possible with him.”

Niall said Rossa never liked wakes or funerals, and even anniversary masses were difficult for him. And while there were some difficult decisions to make, he felt Rossa would have liked that he was taken back to Corlea to reminisce and enjoy a few laughs.

The cremation means Rossa’s ashes could be brought back to Belleek to be buried with his mother, Elizabeth, and father, Tom.

“We would like to thank everyone for all of their good wishes, and kind gestures in the last few days. It means a lot to know how well-respected and loved Rossa was. Thank you to everyone. It really does make things easier.”

Niall went on to say: “In recent days, the most common things said about Rossa was that he was a civil man, a quiet man, a quiet gent. A few ladies have even said he was a good-looking fella, too.

“He was all those things, and we were always very proud to call him our brother.”

The late Rossa Cullen’s passing is very deeply regretted by his heartbroken brothers, Niall and Conleth; sister-in-law, Siobhan; nephew Jarlath and niece Grainne; uncles, aunts, Wesley, colleagues at M.P.A. Spares, and the entire Cullen and Cleary families.

Funeral arrangements were by Patsy McCauley Funeral Director, Belleek.