24/08/2026
Today, we remember Noel Cullen, who sadly passed away 9 years ago today.
Noel served for several years with the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, where he distinguished himself by being awarded Best Recruit at the Guards Depot. During his military career, he served in London, Germany, South Arabia (Aden) and Radfan. While serving in Aden, Noel was wounded in action and was subsequently medically discharged from the Army in the rank of Sergeant.
Following his service with the “Micks”, Noel continued his dedication to the military community. He became actively involved with the Royal British Legion and the Irish Guards Association in the Republic of Ireland. For more than 30 years, Noel devoted himself to remembering our fallen, supporting veterans and ensuring that their service and sacrifice were never forgotten.
Noel was a tremendous source of knowledge when it came to the welfare and wellbeing of veterans. He played an important role in helping to establish numerous associations and organisations, many of which continue to operate to this day.
During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, Noel regularly travelled north to attend memorial parades, proudly carrying the Republic of Ireland standard. In later years, he became heavily involved in the Hands Across the Border initiative, helping to bring people from Northern Ireland to Dublin to participate in acts of remembrance and reconciliation.
Noel was also instrumental in organising a number of remembrance parades and ceremonies throughout Ireland, several of which continue today. Among them is the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Islandbridge in July, which continues to attract veterans, families and members of the public.
His dedication to remembrance extended to the care of war graves throughout Ireland. Where a headstone had deteriorated or needed replacing, Noel worked tirelessly to ensure that it was restored, so that those who had served and fallen would once again have a fitting and properly maintained final resting place.
Much of the work Noel carried out, particularly in Northern Ireland, will never be fully known. He never sought recognition for what he did. His motivation was simply to honour those who had served, support those who remained, and ensure that the sacrifices of previous generations were remembered.
For many years, Noel served as Secretary of the Dublin Central Branch, a role he greatly enjoyed and carried out with enormous dedication.Noel Cullen was truly one in a million — a great character, a dedicated veteran, a tireless advocate for remembrance and, above all, a true friend.
Five years after his passing, Noel is deeply missed by his family, his many friends, fellow veterans and the wider military community throughout Ireland.
His legacy continues through the people, organisations, ceremonies and acts of remembrance that he helped establish and support.
Rest in peace, Noel. Your service, friendship and dedication.
Quis Separabit ☘️🔵🔴🔵💂♀️🫡
Lest We Forget🌺
