'A great character and a beautiful lady' - Gweedore Golf Club remember Nell Cullen

Gweedore Golf Club have paid tribute to their former Lady Captain Nell Cullen, who passed away last week, describing her as someone who “brought joy, laughter and fun.”

“It was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of our former Lady Captain Nell Cullen last week,” the club said.  

“Nell passed away peacefully, having borne a short illness with dignity and strength.  Dignity and strength are two of the words we all associated with Nell throughout her life, not to mention the zest, enthusiasm and energy she brought to every aspect of her being.  

“Nell will be remembered by her many friends for her vivaciousness and spirited personality.  On behalf of Gaoth Dobhair Golf Club members, we offer sincere condolences to her sons, Derek and Leeroy and their families, as well as her four sisters and extended family, on the death of their beloved Nell. 

“Indeed, golfers all over the county who met Nell remember her fondly and are deeply sorry at this time.  Nell was born in Mullach Dubh, in the Rosses, one of eight children reared by loving parents, Hughie Sharkey and his wife, Gabhla Island native, Hannah Sweeney.  

“Nell spent her youth in the close-knit community where the spirit of ‘meitheal’ was prevalent and where her father was the local postman and maintained his farm.  Her mother Hannah was a strong lady, and Nell followed in her footsteps with her sensible approach as she acted on good judgment in all situations that came her way.  

“Nell qualified as a hairdresser and, having spent time in London, she returned home to work in Monica O Donnell’s Salon on the Main Street in Dungloe, where she built up a loyal clientele who became dear friends.  

“Married to Charlie at this stage, and living in Gaoth Dobhair, she would board the Lough Swilly bus and travel to Dungloe every morning to go to work. After a period working for Monnie in Dungloe, she moved to her Salon next door to Hughie Tim’s in Derrybeg, where she continued looking after and caring for her customers.  

“Nell liked nothing more than ‘glam’, and she was always dressed up to the nines herself when out socialising.  She loved music, singing and dancing and was known to take to the stage, mic in hand and entertain all in the Golf Club in Machaire Gathlán on many occasions.  While Nell had many passions - golf surely was to the fore.  She was a steady golfer who won many prizes and spent years as a Committee member, and is a Past Lady Captain of the Club, serving on two occasions.  

“She brought joy, laughter and fun to us all with her unique banter and her lovely Rosses accent, which she never lost.  ‘Briseann an dúchas tré shúile an chait’. The outpouring of grief all over the county is very evident since we all heard the sad news about Nell on Tuesday night last. There is a deluge of messages on social media from near and far.  We chose this one from a near neighbour, which we feel sums up how we all feel about Nell: ‘Nell was a legend, a great character and a beautiful lady.  Heaven will be rocking today.  God Bless you Nell.  We will miss you next door’. 

“Nell Cullen was buried in Machaire Gathlán graveyard on Good Friday, the most solemn day of the year.  It was a solemn day for her family and the many friends who attended the funeral liturgy in Teach Pobail Mhuire, Doirí Beaga. 

“She was laid to rest in the holy ground that borders the Golf Course where she spent many happy hours with her golfing friends. Beannacht Dé leat, a Nell agus suaimhneas síoraí duit. Slán leat a chara.”