 On 29 May 2012, Garland spoke at the funeral of his comrade Noel Cullen, alongside Cullen's son Jake.Noel Cullen was a key figure in The Workers Party who died of cancer at the age of 52.Garland spoke on his friend's passion, humanity, and quest for knowledge before handing Jake and Noel's daughter Ríona a starry plough, and an Irish flag.