Passing of Noel Kilcullen leaves a huge void in Enniscrone community
The late Noel Kilcullen was a huge driving force in the development of facilities at Kilglass-Enniscrone United FC.
South Sligo and the wider county are in mourning following the passing of Noel Kilcullen, Ashmount, Kinard, Enniscrone.
Noel passed away peacefully last week surrounded by his family and friends at Abbey Haven Nursing Home, Boyle, Co Roscommon.
A renowned painter and decorator, the deceased had a long association with Kilglass-Enniscrone United FC, where he was instrumental in the developing of the club grounds and clubhouse and who served the club as chairman.
In a statement the club said: “In the early 1980s, Enniscrone United, who had recently reformed as a club, were playing their games in Paddy Kilcullen’s field and the Castle field when Noel got involved with the club. Noel would attend all the club games and soon became involved in the club committee. By the mid-1980s Noel had been elected club chairman.
“Noel quickly identified that Enniscrone United would need a home and he dedicated his time to realising this dream. After much searching, in 1993 Noel arranged the purchase of land in Carrowhubbock from Bernie Fox. Noel was the driving force then with many local volunteers who set out to develop the new grounds which involved numerous fundraising efforts.”
By 1998, the Enniscrone United team had played their first game in their new ground, Michael McGowan Park.
“Noel stepped back from chairman to focus on developing the grounds and did so for a number of years, adding a clubhouse and stand from 1999 into the early 2000s,” the statement continued.
“Noel stepped back from the club committee in mid-2000s with a massive legacy left behind.
“We are very proud of our club and indeed we get many wonderful compliments about our ground and facilities from visitors today. It should never be forgotten the huge role Noel Kilcullen played in the evolution and development of Kilglass-Enniscrone United club and grounds and all in Enniscrone and surrounding area owe Noel a huge depth of gratitude for the visionary work he undertook all those years ago.”
Predeceased by his adored mother Helen and grandparents Andrew and Elizabeth, brothers-in-law Bob and Neil, Noel will be sadly missed by his wife Bridie, son Alan, daughters Shirley and Helen, grandchildren Anna, Andrew and David, daughter-in-law Nikki, sons-in-law Paul and Brian, cherished sister Maureen, brothers-in-law Willie and Gerry, sisters-in-law Mary, Chris and Madeline, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Noel’s funeral Mass took place in The Church of our Lady Assumed into Heaven, Enniscrone last Saturday with burial afterwards in St Patrick’s Cemetery, Kilglass.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
