Brian McEniff pays tribute to Dublin legend and 'true great' Paddy Cullen

Former Donegal manager Brian McEniff has paid tribute to Dublin goalkeeping legend Paddy Cullen who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 80. 

One of the best-known figures in the game, the O'Connell Boys clubman enjoyed 13 years between the sticks for the Boys in Blue after making his debut in 1966. 

He won three All-Ireland titles and four All-Star awards as part of 'Heffo's Army' that rejuvenated the game in the capital. 

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Donegal’s 1992 All-Ireland winner was most closely linked with the Dubliner when both men, as team managers, guided their respective counties to the All-Ireland football final in September 1992, where McEniff’s side emerged victorious on a 0-18 to 0-14 point scoreline. 

It would also be Cullen’s last match as Dublin boss, with the former All-Star winner informing the press afterwards that he was ‘riding off into the sunset’.  

“He was a giant of the game, a remarkable player, and an all-around great GAA figure,” the Bundoran man told Donegal Live. 

While McEniff states that he and Cullen rarely came in contact during their managerial days in the early 90s which saw Donegal and Dublin clash on a number of occasions, he says their relationship can be traced back to the early 70s when the Donegal man was partnered with Cullen on an All-Star trip. 

“We were out on the All-Star trip together in 1974,” McEniff said. “Myself and Pauric McShea were called out together as late replacements. We played a very good Cork side which saw Paddy in the nets and myself and Pauric in the full-back line. 

“I always remember that he was very complimentary of us on how well we marshalled the Cork full-forward line that day which saw us keep Jimmy Barry Murphy scoreless. He said if he had a defence like that then Dublin would win an All-Ireland, and sure didn’t they go on to become a phenomenal team.” 

“As a manager, we rarely came in contact, he was very calm on the sideline, really honest and complimentary. He was just a great guy.” 

Many believe Cullen’s penalty save from Galway's Liam Sammon in the 1974 decider - Dublin won 0-14 to 1-06 - paved the way for the start of a glorious era for the squad as they went on to win two of the next three All-Ireland titles while reeling off six successive Leinster titles. 

Cullen succeeded Gerry McCaul in the Dublin hotseat in 1990 and guided his county to their first league title in 13 years in 1991 against a Kildare side managed by Mick O'Dwyer. 

He is survived by his wife Ann and children Liz, Anthony and Andrew.