Kilkenny mourns All Ireland hurling star of the 1970s who has died

A leading member of Kilkenny's hurling team in the 1970s has died, at his home in France.

Bennettsbridge man Phil (Philip) Cullen lined out for the county in the All Ireland finals of 1971 and 1973. 

Phil played with his local club, Bennettsbridge, and went on to be a member of the Warwickshire senior hurling team as well as the Kilkenny senior inter-county teams in the 1960s and 1970s.

The midfielder, who played at left corner back, won two Leinster titles with Kilkenny. 

Phil came on as a sub for Mick "Cloney" Brennan in the 1971 All Ireland Senior Hurling Final, and in the 1973 final was named in the starting line up.

Phil passed away at Champniers-et-Reilhac, France, after a brief illness bravely borne, on January 22, 2023. He is survived by his beloved wife Frances, children Philip, Mary, Johnny, Rosie and Keith and dear step-children  Gráinne and Colm. Pre-deceased by his brother Noel, Phil will be greatly missed by his adoring and loving wife, children, step-children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Ger, sister Olive, brother-in-law Jim, sons-in law and daughters-in-law David, Denise, Cheryl, David and Jennifer, many relatives and friends both in Ireland and in France.

A Funeral Service will take place in Pieguet-Pluviers, France on Friday, 27th January, 2023. RIP