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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Lauren Harte

Rossa Cullen tributes: Talented Co Fermanagh footballer and hurler was "a very gifted and witty young man"

Tributes have been paid to a talented Gaelic footballer and hurler who was "a very gifted and witty young man".

Rossa Cullen, who died suddenly on Wednesday, played both football and hurling for Erne Gaels GAC in Co Fermanagh with whom the Cullen family have a long association with.

Their late father Tom Cullen was a former chairman, secretary and treasurer of the Belleek club while Rossa's brother Niall is an inter-county football referee.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Rossa Cullen over recent days.

Fermanagh GAA tweeted: "The committee and members of Coiste Contae Fhear Manach were saddened to learn of the death of Rossa Cullen RIP, brother of our current IT Officer Niall and son of the late Tom Cullen RIP.

"The Cullen family have served, and continue to serve, the GAA in Erne Gaels GAC, Fermanagh and Ulster GAA with distinction as players, officers and match officials.

"We tender our deepest sympathies to Rossa’s family and friends."

Rossa Cullen was a talented Gaelic footballer and hurler with Erne Gaels ((Image: Facebook/Erne Gaels Belleek))

In a heartfelt tribute Erne Gaels said Rossa (39) was an exceptional player over his years playing both football and hurling for the club.

A spokesperson added: "His late father Tom was our former club president and treasurer and helped build Erne Gaels to where we are now. A gentle soul and we are sure many of his fellow team mates and friends who played alongside him will have many a story to tell.

"He was involved in many teams over his years here at Erne Gaels and his presence will be missed by many.

"To Niall, Conleth, Siobhan, Jarlath, Grainne, Mary, Charlie and Margaret, Barney to all the Cullen and Cleary families, Rossa's extended friends and neighbours... we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead

"Sleep tight Rossa...the sky is shining brighter tonight...you're reunited now with Tom and Elizabeth."

Flags at the club's pitch flew at half mast as a mark of respect with the grounds remaining closed until next week with no football matches or training until then.

McMorrows Bar in Belleek posted on Facebook: " It's with great sadness we have heard of the sudden passing of Rossa Cullen, my former barman, friend and he was also part of our pool team spanning over many years.

"Rossa was a very gifted and a unique individual, who will be missed by so many. Our thoughts are with Niall and Conleth and the entire Cullen/Cleary families and wide circle of friends. Sleep tight my friend till we meet again."

Predeceased by his parents Tom in November 2014 and Elizabeth in December 1995, Mr Cullen is survived by his brothers Niall and Conleth, sister-in-law Siobhan, nephew Jarlath, niece Grainne, uncles, aunts, Wesley, colleagues and friends.

A true Gael and a decorated footballer and hurler, his funeral took place on Saturday with requiem mass at St Patrick's Church in Belleek followed by private cremation.

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