Rev. Dr. Matthew Cullen 1864-1936

Most Rev. Dr. Cullen 1864-1936

Seated portrait of Most Rev. Dr. Cullen (1864-1936), who was Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. He was interested in the furtherance of all things Gaelic and particularly Gaelic games. Hence when the new G.A.A. park was opened in August 1937, it was named in his honour.

Carlow County Library

Most Rev. Dr. Cullen 1864-1936
Carlow County Library

Most Rev. Dr. Cullen 1864-1936

Seated portrait of Most Rev. Dr. Cullen (1864-1936), who was Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin. He was interested in the furtherance of all things Gaelic and particularly Gaelic games. Hence when the new G.A.A. park was opened in August 1937, it was named in his honour.

Carlow County Library

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Rev. Dr. Matthew Cullen was born in Kilcarney, Co. Wicklow in the parish of Hacketstown on 17th March 1864. He studied for the priesthood at Carlow College in the years 1881 and 1882. He completed his education at St. Patricks College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare between the years 1882-1889.

He was ordained a priest in 1889 and served in Geashill and in Tinryland (1891-1892). Dr. Cullen had a varied career. He was appointed Diocesan Inspector of Schools in 1892 and was a chaplain to the Curragh forces. He served as rector to Knockbeg College 1895-1909. He was curate in Newbridge, Co. Kildare 1909-1914. In 1914 he was appointed Parish Priest of Tinryland and in Bagenaltown 1916-1927. The Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, Bishop Patrick Foley died in 1926 and Dr. Matthew Cullen became his successor and served from 1927-1936. He died on January 2nd, 1936.
 

Dr Cullen was regarded as an enthusiastic supporter of Gaelic games throughout his life. "Throughout his long life the late Bishop Cullen was an ardent and enthusiastic supporter of Gaelic Games, and even after being appointed Bishop he was to be seen on many occasions on the Gaelic fields, particularly whenever Kildare and Carlow were battling for championship honours. He was beloved by the Gaels because they regarded his as a sincere friend and one who had ever their interests and aspirations at heart". His last act in his capacity as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin was the writing of a foreword in 1935 to the work of Rev. Martin Brennan entitled "Schools of Kildare and Leighlin A.D. 1775-1835".