Dublin great Paddy Cullen has died at the age of 80 following a lengthy illness.
The O'Connell Boys favourite lined out as Dubs custodian between 1966 and 1979.
In a gilded career the man born between the two canals won three all-Ireland medals, four All-Stars, six Leinster titles and two league crowns in the dark blue geansaí, and played a major part of Heffo's Army during the 1970's, when Kevin Heffernan helped to revitalise the Dublin football team.
He played in the team that won the Sam Maguire in 1974 and went on to manage the county in the early 1990's, reaching an All-Ireland final and winning the 1991 league title.
He also played a major role in the metropolitan's success, famously saving a Liam Sammon penalty in their breakthrough 1974 All-Ireland final success against Galway.
He was a key figure in the enduring Dublin and Kerry rivalry when it was at its peak, and is fondly or otherwise, remembered for the infamous free kick goal concession to the Kingdom's Mikey Sheehy who lobbed a scrambling Cullen at the Canal End in the 1978 all-Ireland final, famously described by commentator Micheal O'Hehir as ''the greatest freak of all-time!!''
He managed Dublin's footballers from 1990 to 1992, winning league success in 1991 over Mick O'Dywer's Kildare and getting the Boys in Blue to an all-Ireland Final, which they lost to Donegal.
Dublin County Board Chairman Ken O’Sullivan said:
“Paddy Cullen was not only a giant of Dublin GAA as part of Heffo’s Army, but also an inspiration to so many that would follow in his footsteps.
"The Dublin GAA community is saddened by his loss. Paddy's impact on Gaelic Games in the capital will forever endure in the memories of the Dublin supporters.
"A true Blue and an absolute gentleman, may he rest in peace.''
