The late Donal Culloty: a man of wisdom and generosity

The father of a former top jockey liked to have a flutter every day and he generally won, mourners were told at his funeral yesterday.

Some prominent racing figures were in Killarney, Co Kerry, to bid farewell to Donal Culloty, 73, who was described by a priest as an “incredibly generous’’ man who had helped many people throughout his life.

The sporting enthusiast took pride in the achievements of his son, Jim, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National winning jockey who now trains at Churchtown, north Cork. His grandson, Oisín Murphy, is also a promising young rider.

Jockey Davy Russell, who rode the Jim Culloty-trained Lord Windermere to victory in the Gold Cup, last March, and Jennifer Walsh, daughter of trainer and racing commentator Ted Walsh, were at the requiem Mass in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney.

Other trainers and jockeys, who were engaged at races in Gowran Park, Co Kilkenny, yesterday, attended the removal of the remains on Tuesday.

Among the symbols of Mr Culloty’s life handed up were the Killarney Legion GAA club’s green and white jersey, the family’s racing silks, and a rock to mark his 52-year marriage to Maureen.

In the words of his daughter, Kayan, an AA book reflected his “33 years of serenity, sobriety and dedication to helping others’’, while a betting slip, a fishing reel and a lollipop showing his love for his grandchildren were also placed near the coffin.

Fr Jim Lenihan, chief concelebrant of the mass with four other priests, said Mr Culloty was an incredibly generous man, who also had intelligence and intellectual ability.

But, more than that, he had wisdom which he may have learned the hard way. He also realised he would not reach his final destination without the help of a higher power, or the love and support of family and friends, the priest said.

“Donal discovered great wisdom out of his difficulties and became the best version of himself. Later, he went on to help others in difficulty to become the best version of themselves,’’ Fr Lenihan said.

“And he also discovered the greatest truth of all — we need God, and we need each other.’’

Mr Culloty’s favourite reflection, Footprints in the Sand, was read.

An accountant, he was a former director of Killarney Golf Club and an Independent member of Killarney Town Council, in the 1970s. A guard of honour was provided by the golf club, of which Maureen Culloty is lady captain.

Mr Culloty, who died unexpectedly at the weekend, was laid to rest in Aghadoe Cemetery overlooking his beloved Lakes of Killarney.