Kieran Mc Cullagh was born
The memorial source gives Kieran’s life dates as 1950–2022.
Welcome
A lasting digital tribute
This page has been created for visitors who scan the QR code at the Kieran Mc Cullagh Memorial Seats connected to Glenelly GAA.
The seats are provided in memory of Kieran Mc Cullagh and this page preserves the story behind them: his lifetime connection with Gaelic football, his part in the formation and growth of Glenelly GFC, and the hope that the seats will bring comfort to those who use them in the years ahead.
About him
A Plumbridge man
Kieran Mc Cullagh was a Plumbridge man throughout his life, even though he lived much of his life in Strabane, Craigbane, Portadown and Omagh.
This field was very special to Kieran. It was the venue for sports days in the early 1960s, where he used to win the mile race, and where he first practised his Gaelic footballing skills.
Glenelly GAA
His Gaelic football story
Kieran played underage football with Gortin for a couple of years before joining the newly formed Glenelly club in 1967, where he played in the forwards until the club folded in 1969.
Playing years
After Glenelly folded, Kieran’s love of Gaelic football remained strong. He switched to Newtownstewart before joining Strabane Lamh Dearg in the early 1970s. He made a valuable contribution at a time when Gaelic football was at a low ebb in the town and was part of the team that won the North Tyrone championship.
Craigbane and back to Glenelly
When Kieran, Rosemary and family moved to their new home in Craigbane, his allegiances switched too and he played for Craigbane for a few years in the late 1970s. In 1980 his attention returned to this field and to Glenelly.
Formation and service
Helping to form Glenelly GFC
In 1980, Kieran became one of the prime movers in the formation of Glenelly GFC.
Player, committee member and worker
His contribution to the club included being a player, a committee member and a worker. He was also part of the management team that brought the team to the Championship final and promotion in 1983.
Continued service
Kieran’s interest in the establishment and growth of the club remained strong throughout his life. He served the club in a variety of roles, including chairman.
Timeline
A life connected to Gaelic football
Sports days on this field
The field was special to Kieran as the venue for sports days, where he used to win the mile race and first practised his Gaelic footballing skills.
Joined the newly formed Glenelly club
After playing underage football with Gortin, Kieran joined Glenelly in 1967 and played in the forwards until the club folded in 1969.
Newtownstewart and Strabane Lamh Dearg
He switched to Newtownstewart and later joined Strabane Lamh Dearg, contributing to the team that won the North Tyrone championship.
Craigbane
After moving to Craigbane with Rosemary and family, Kieran played for Craigbane for a few years.
Formation of Glenelly GFC
Kieran became one of the prime movers in the formation of Glenelly GFC as a player, committee member, worker and part of the management team.
Championship final and promotion
He was part of the management team that brought Glenelly to the Championship final and promotion in 1983.
Supporter and chairman
Kieran served the club in a variety of roles, including chairman, and remained deeply interested in Glenelly’s establishment and growth throughout his life.
Kieran passed away
The memorial seats are provided in memory of Kieran Mc Cullagh, 1950–2022.
The memorial seats
A practical tribute at the club
In his last few years as a supporter, Kieran enjoyed having a chair available. The memorial source says he would have hoped these chairs bring comfort to those who use them in the future.
Why the seats were created
Dad’s last Glenelly match was Glenelly v Drumragh. He could not stay on his feet for long, but he also could not see the game sitting down. The memorial seats are intended to help other people who want to go to the games but are too ill to stand for long.
Remembered
Among the first
The growth and successes of Glenelly GFC are the result of the efforts of many people. Kieran was among the first of those, and he made an important contribution.
“Kieran’s interest in the establishment and growth of the club remained strong throughout his life.”
— Laurance Mc Cullagh
“Go ndeanaigh Dia Trocaire air a anam.”
— Laurance Mc Cullagh
Gallery
Photos and club memories
Video
Facebook video
Watch the Facebook video connected with Kieran Mc Cullagh and the Glenelly GAA memorial.
Watch Facebook videoLegacy
Remembered through helping others
The memorial seats are more than a place to sit. They are a practical act of remembrance, shaped by Kieran’s final years as a supporter and by the wish that others should still be able to come, watch and feel part of the club.
By linking the seats to this digital page, the memorial can also preserve the photographs, match memories and club stories that connect Kieran Mc Cullagh with Glenelly GAA.