Cullen, Andy
January 18, 2012Andy (77) died peacefully at home in Abbeyview House, New Ross on January 5 following a short illness.
The house in which he perfected his impressive carpentry and DIY skills, was built by his grandfather Andrew, a noted builder.
The elder Andrew Cullen was renowned in the late 1800's and early 1900's for his church building.
In fact, he built St. Mary's and St Michael's parish church in New Ross in which his grandson's packed funeral Mass was held.
Andy was proud of his family history and what he called 'the Cullen jersey.
'
He made his own mark on many people through his absolute professionalism as a Court Clerk and Commissioner for Oaths.
Andy began his career in the court service as a junior clerk in Listowel, a place that remained in his affections for the rest of his life. A move to Longford was followed by promotion to Kilkenny as District Court Clerk. He served in Kilkenny from the mid-1960s until 1976 when he got his wish and was appointed to Wexford to succeed the legendary Maurice Moynihan.
He served as District Court Clerk in Wexford until his retirement in 1999, bringing to the role an unparalled knowledge of and respect for the law.
Members of the legal profession who travelled from far and wide to attend his funeral, all had their own recollections of Andy's impeccable and gentlemanly command of the court system while serving under a number of different judges.
He loved his work but reserved his greatest loyalities and support for his family.
He is survived by his wife Margaret (nee Sutton); his sons Andrew, John and Martin; his daughters Annette and Deirdre; his grandchildren; his brother Michael; sisters Noeleen and Philomena and his extended family and many friends.
He was predeceased by his sister Nellie.
Andy and Margaret, also a New Ross native, were married in 1961 and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last September.
Andy's knowledge of the law made him the go-to person for many people seeking general legal advice in the days before the Free Legal Aid system was established. If he could help someone or do them a Christian turn, he would and he was always the soul of discretion. He was possessed of a great sense of humour and a wonderful smile that he used to charming effect socially.
In his younger days, he was a nifty hurler, lining out with the Wexford minor team in a Leinster final.
His love of GAA was hardly surprising, given that the great Joe Bailey who hurled for Wexford and Leinster, was his uncle. And Ned Colfer who won an All-Ireland senior hurling medal for Wexford was his cousin.
Away from the desk job, Andy Cullen the son of a master carpenter (also Andrew) had a passion for woodwork and DIY. He laboured out of love in the carpentry workshop that his grandfather built and used. A great eye for detail and precision combined with fantastic hands, raised him above the level of the amateur. Andy was blessed with a curiousity and life and people which served him well during holiday travels all over the world with Margaret, especially after he retired.
Closer to home, he loved visiting Listowel, the place of his first posting where he got to know John B. Keane and Brian McMahon and also Longford. As a young man, he made a connection with the Kerry town that was never broken.
In fact, he once hurled with the Kerry junior team against Limerick.
Andy will be remembered as a man of knowledge, kindness and principle.
His presence and guidance will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
- Courtesy of Wexford People, 18th January 2012 Tweet
