KERRY GAA is in mourning today after the death of Johnny Culloty.
The dual icon, who excelled in both hurling and football, passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday.
But he is best known for his legendary career as Kerry football goalkeeper.
He first made his mark in 1955 as a corner-forward, scoring a vital goal in the All-Ireland semi-final against Cavan before helping Kerry see off rivals Dublin in the final.
In 1959 he returned to the team as goalkeeper before playing a crucial role in their All-Ireland triumph over Galway.
Culloty experienced back-to-back All-Ireland final defeats to Down in 1960 and 1961.
But it wan’t long before he got his hands on Sam Maguire as they earned redemption in 1962 when the Kingdom claimed victory against Roscommon.
He secured his fifth and final Celtic Cross in 1970, helping Kerry defeat Meath in the All-Ireland decider.
Culloty had amassed 12 Munster titles,and had also collected five National League medals retiring from the inter-county stage in 1971.
Following his playing career, he took charge of Kerry between 1972 and 1974.
He lead them to two Division 1 league titles and a Munster Championship in 1972.
But his side fell short in the All-Ireland final, losing to Offaly after a replay.
With his club Killarney Legion, Culloty won four East Kerry titles and four Kerry senior football championships, along with two Munster crowns.
In hurling, he helped Kerry claim an All-Ireland junior title in 1961, having already won a junior football championship in 1954.
