Cullen, Joseph

Biog

Joseph Cullen was Celtic’s last line of defence at a time when to be a goalkeeper was a hazardous occupation (bundling was a major tactic in those days, which involved violently barging the goalkeeper into the net at crosses/corners if he had the ball).

Joe Cullen was signed by Celtic from Benburb in January 1892 after the Bhoys had been at the wrong end of an 8-0 thrashing by Dumbarton. The erratic performance of keeper Tom Duff was seen as the main cause of that friendly defeat and in response the Bhoys went out and quickly secured the services of Joe Cullen.

The Scottish Junior international made his debut on 23 January 1892 at home to Cowlairs in a Scottish Cup tie won 4-1 by the Bhoys.

Legend has it that Dan Doyle picked him out the crowd to get stripped to play at 1st Cathkin Park on 2nd January 1892. In fact, Tom Maley signed him up immediately after Celtic’s 8-0 loss against Dumbarton and he became Celtic’s new goalkeeper ahead of Tom Duff.

A more than steady keeper, Joe Cullen suffered more than most from the punishment forwards handed out to keepers in footballs earliest days. He was kicked unconscious in one “friendly” at Sunderland by Johnny Campbell. One fan was so impressed with Joe Cullen’s brave performance that day that he later presented the keeper with a gold watch. Willie Maley later remarked that Joe Cullen lost his nerve after this match, which in reflection is understandable.

Joe Cullen was in goals for Celtic’s first Scottish Cup title triumph in April 1892, and in August that year he played in the first match to be staged at the then new – and now present – Celtic Park.

The great Dan McArthur would eventually oust Joe Cullen from his starting spot, and after 73 league & Scottish Cup games for Celtic he moved to London to Tottenham Hotspur in May 1897.

He had helped Celtic to win two league titles and the Scottish Cup, so had played his part to help build the reputation and form of Celtic’s first team in their early years.

Sadly, he would die prematurely from pneumonia in 1905, aged just 37. Flags flew at half mast at the following Celtic game in a 3-1 home win over Dundee (28th October 1905) and the Celtic players wore black armbands for Joe Cullen. However, whilst the game was going on, news spread that Joe Cullen’s mother had died as well of the same illness.

He was buried in St Kentigerns Cemetery in Lambhill.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League

• 1892-93, 1893-94

Scottish Cup

• 1892

Glasgow Merchants Charity Cup

• 1891-92, 1892-93

Pictures

• Player Pics

A remembrance service was held by the Celtic Graves Society for Joe Cullen in 2017.