"A legendary figure in GAA circles" - Kerry pay tribute to the late Johnny Culloty
February 26, 2025
The late Johnny Culloty leads around his Kerry team mates before the start of the 1969 All Ireland SFC final
Kerry GAA have paid tribute to the late Johnny Culloty, describing him as “a legendary figure in GAA circles”.
The Killarney Legion clubman captained the Kingdom to All-Ireland SFC glory in 1969 and would win five Celtic Crosses in total over the course of his glittering career.
He also captured five National League titles and 12 Munster SFC crowns, and was one of the few players to win the Sam Maguire Cup as both a goalkeeper and outfield player.
One of the county’s greatest dual stars, Mr Culloty won an All-Ireland junior hurling championship medal with Kerry in 1961 and won senior county championships in both codes.
His managerial career saw him managing Kerry’s senior footballers from 1972 to 1974 and he’d return as a team selector for the All-Ireland triumphs of 2004 and 2006.
Johnny Culloty RIPhttps://t.co/M7aLbDJ24F
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) February 25, 2025
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis pic.twitter.com/DE0Ihk7w6C
Kerry GAA released the following on its website yesterday after learning of Mr Culloty’s passing:
"It was with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Johnny Culloty, one of Kerry GAA’s most distinguished dual players, yesterday evening," the statement read.
"A legendary figure in GAA circles and a devoted member of Killarney Legion, Johnny’s incredible career in both Gaelic football and hurling, spanning from the 1950s to the 1970s, has left a lasting impression on our game. Johnny displayed remarkable skill in both codes, demonstrating his versatility as he moved between the two sports with ease.
"In football, Johnny’s prowess led to a decorated career that included five All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, twelve Munster Championships along with five National League titles. A highlight was captaining Kerry to All-Ireland glory in 1969.
"Johnny’s hurling accolades are equally commendable. An All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship medal in 1961 was proudly followed by a County Senior Hurling Championship medal with Killarney in 1969.
"Beyond his inter-county achievements, Johnny was an out-and-out club man. His commitment and dedication to Killarney Legion spanned decades, during which he secured four County Senior Football Championship medals with East Kerry.
"Following his playing career, Johnny’s passion for the game saw him transition into management. He managed the Kerry Senior football team from 1972 to 1974, guiding them to three National League titles as well as a Munster Championship title. Johnny returned to the inter-county scene as a member of Jack O’Connor’s management team between 2004 and 2006, contributing to Kerry’s All-Ireland victories in 2004 and 2006.
"We extend our sincere sympathies to Johnny’s wife, Joan, his daughters, Brid and Orla, his sons, Donal and Seán, and the extended Culloty family.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
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