Fr Frank Cresp, Good and Faithful Servants: Recalling the Spirit of the Deceased Priests of the Diocese of Port Augusta and Port Pirie 1888-2008, 2008:
Cullinan, John Francis

Born: 9/1/1900 in Co Limerick, Ireland.
Ordained: 6/6/1925 in Genoa, Italy.
Worked in Port Augusta 1929; Surra 1930; Whyalla (first Parish Priest 1931); Streaky Bay 1935-47; Renmark.
Diocesan Consultor 1943. Domestic Prelate 1957. Examiner in Christian Doctrine 1932-34. Diocesan Organiser National Catholic Rural Movement 1940.
Died: 5/12/1960. Buried at Renmark.
Well remembered for his work as advocate and adviser for farmers on Eyre Peninsula who were in danger of losing their land during the Depression. Also for galvanising local people into action when Renmark was threatened by the flood of 1956.

Some Snippets, by Frank Cresp

Father John Cullinan
regularly smoked Craven A cigarettes. "Have a decent smoke, a Craven A."
However he occasionally carried a pipe and tobacco in case he felt like a change. Sitting on the verandah one day my Father prepared to fill his pipe. John interrupted him, "Don't smoke that stuff of yours. Have a decent smoke."
Old Mick took the pouch he was offering, looked inside and asked, "What brand is it, Father?"
Father John, "I don't know. Some rubbish."

(Reproduced with the approval of Sister Mary Cresp RSM)