Patsy Culligan-A Great Servant to Both Club and County

The Late Patsy Culligan

This week the St.Josephs club has lost one of its longest serving members, a truly good man and definitely a character. Patrick (Patsy) Culligan passed away peacefully on Friday the 3rd April 2020. Son of the late Owen and Agnes (Drumleck) much loved husband of Anne, dear father of Niall, Nicola, and Julie, granddad of Chloe, Patrick, Cian and Oisín and brother of Danny, Gerard, Sean and Mary. Patsy will be sadly missed by all his family, neighbours and his many friends in our club.

Patsy as part of the boyband Busted

Making his first team championship debut for the club in 1965, he played into the 1980’s, mainly in goals, but on occasion outfield also, usually in the full forward line. The pinnacle of his playing time came as goalkeeper when the Joes won their first ever Championship, the Junior Championship of 1971. Capping off a massive weekend for Patsy, as he was married just the day before! The final was an auspicious day for the club and Patsy had his brother Danny in front of him at full back and another brother Gerry lined out at corner forward. Their youngest brother Sean would join the ranks the following year and the Culligan brothers played together on many Joes teams throughout the seventies, with their father Ownie being a well-known and regarded member of the committee. His eldest child Niall also played with the club for a number of years, as did his brother in law Jimmy Sweeney.

Patsy at the launch of the Heirs Book

Patsy joined the Joes committee for the first time in 1974 and served the club for many years in many roles, including PRO, County Board Rep and Secretary. He continued to be a very loyal supporter of the club throughout the years and was still selling his weekly lotto tickets right up until the shut down a few weeks ago and was still a very regular attender of games at all levels. He coached many underage teams over the years and was a selector when the junior team capped off a glorious year in 1983 by winning the Ranafast and Goodman Cups. Not to forget, he was involved in many a trip with Joes teams to his beloved Galway and Salthill over the years!

Patsy also gave the county many of years of service. He was the on the Louth county board fixtures committee in the late eighties, representing intermediate teams. He was a referee of note, taking charge of both intermediate and junior finals. He was also known for his work with the Louth Supporters Club.

Anyone who knew Patsy knew what a character he was and he will be sadly missed. So in these times of isolation we ask you to lift a toast to Patsy. A time will come in the future when we can all be together again and many of those great stories from over the years will be shared!

Patsy’s Funeral will take place privately, due to the Government restrictions at this time. His family understand and appreciate that people would like to offer their condolences. Please feel free to leave a message in the condolence book at the link below:

https://rip.ie/death-notice/patrick-patsy-culligan-dromiskin-louth/418401

Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.

St.Josephs GFC