Hundreds bid farewell to ‘Mr Greencastle’ Oliver McCullagh

“IN many ways, Oliver was Mr Greencastle.”

Those were the words of Fr Edward Gallagher as hundreds of people turned out in the village on Tuesday for the funeral of local man and athletics legend, Oliver McCullagh.

Over a period of 36 years, Mr McCullagh was the chief organiser and driving force behind the famous Greencastle 5 Mile Road run. He was also a talented carpenter and dedicated member of the local St Patrick’s GAA club. He managed their minors to Tyrone championship success, trained the Sperrin Og ladies and was a regular matchday official carrying out the role of linesman.

Items of significance in his life were carried to the altar prior to the Requiem Mass. Poignantly, they included his running shoes, the starting pistol and an award from the Greencastle run, a sideline flag, a family photograph and a globe representing his care for and love of the environment was also presented.

In his homily, Fr Gallagher, said Mr McCullagh had “literally put Greencaslte on the map.”

“Oliver’s only motivation in all that he did and dedicated himself to was that this place which we call home would build on the benefits that above the ground this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty could give for everyone,” he said.

“This is a community loss, but primarily a loss for his family.”

Fr Gallagher said that no funeral homily could ever do justice or cover adequately the life and loves of Oliver McCullagh.

“There was football, his patriotism and love of the national flag, the environment and animals, music and song, and the Greencastle Boxing Day run and running in general and first and most important, his family.

“His family came first and his surviving siblings will have memories of him growing up in this townland of Seskinshule and all the fun and fights maybe over the years.

“We give thanks for Oliver meeting and falling in love with Mary McBride of Cranagh on August 2, 1975 and the joy of rearing their three children, Olivia, Conor and Pierce. The next generation brought new joy and energy to Oliver’s life.

“Oliver was a hard-working man in his life and just one small example of his carpentry work in this chapel is testament to his craftsmanship. He had a love of the outdoors and sports, and also coached the Sperrin Og Ladies.

“His patriotism was very important. Oliver wouldn’t see flags on lamposts left to tear into tatters. There was no greater disrespect than that.”

But Fr Gallagher that the one sport that Mr McCullagh would forever be associated in Tyrone, Ulster and throughout Ireland was road running, and the Greencastle Run of which he was the founder and face for the past 36 years and more.

“Just in case anyone forgot about the run for the rest of the year, he also had the great rock placed at the bottom of that hill which made the race unique. On that rock are the immortal words – it’s just a hill, get over it.’

“Music was also part and parcel of Oliver’s life. He was a master of the single button accordion and his own instrument, maybe older than himself, is here before us today. It brought joy to him and to many others.

“Oliver also had a love of God’s creation.

“When others were shooting the crows, he’d be out feeding what he called the black chickens. He dedicated so much of himself to preserving what we have here, and the uniqueness of this place we call Greencastle.”

Mr McCullagh was laid to rest in the graveyard adjoining St Patirck’s Church.

He is survived by his wife Mary (nee McBride) and children, Connor (Louise), Pierce (Tracey) and Olivia (Connor Mullin), grandchildren Patrick, Cahir, Eoghan Rua, Saoirse, Nainsi, Aoibheann, Eleanoe and Ashling, brother of Mary (McKenna), Josephine (Clarke) and Pat (Anna-Rose).

Mr McCullagh was predeceased by his sister, Jean and parents.