THE death has occurred of former Cork and Clonakilty GAA footballer Padraigh Griffin.
A Clonakilty native and son to his late parents, Pat and Patricia, Padraigh Griffin will be lovingly remembered by his wife Debbie and young sons Alex and Jack.
Equally so by his mother-in-law Helen, brother Mark and his partner Lorna, adored nephew and niece Ewan and Mia, extended family, relatives, colleagues and many, many friends especially Conor and Michael.
Outside his family circle, Griffin is best known for his footballing exploits in the red and green jersey of Clonakilty.
One of the county’s most naturally gifted footballers, 1996 and Clon’s unexpected Cork SFC county title success was the pick of Griffin’s sporting glories.
That year, a semi-final clash with St Finbarr’s saw Griffin at his marauding and brilliant best.
Bandon’s GAA grounds housed a highly-charged atmosphere as a result of Clon captain Brian Murphy’s early dismissal as the West Cork club trailed by a point heading into the final minute.
Gaining possession close to goal, an equalising point looked the likeliest outcome for the young Clonakilty forward. Instead, as he always did, Griffin made something out of nothing.
In a flash, the ball was in the back of the net and Clonakilty were heading to a county final.
Ending a 44-year famine by overcoming UCC in the 96’ decider, Padraigh Griffin ran future All-Ireland winner and Kerry All-Star Seamus Moynihan ragged throughout another selfless display.
Griffin returned to win his second club county senior club title in 2009, this time as an experienced corner-forward in another memorable Clonakilty win over the Barrs.
A generational talent, there were fleeting Cork senior appearances but Padraigh Griffin, just like his father, Pat, will be remembered as one of the best club footballers Cork has ever produced.
As a player, no one worked harder on honing his skills than Padraigh Griffin.
Fiercely passionate about a wide range of subjects, Clonakilty GAA and the promotion of his hometown club was the topic Griffin always defended to the hilt.
With a mischievous smile that could light up any room, Padraigh Griffin had a 24-carat-gold heart best exemplified by a huge network of close friends, work colleagues and those inside and outside the GAA who always enjoyed his company.
“Vaya con Dios” Griff, you will never be forgotten.
(Funeral Arrangements yet to be confirmed).
