He was, probably, the most famous intercounty bag-man/kit-man in the country at one magic time. He climbed the steps in Croke Park on All-Ireland football final day more often than many of the players.
He was there on all the great days to help accept and intercept and bring the Sam Maguire Cup home to The Kingdom. He will always be associated with the great teams of the 1970s / ’80s and was included in all the photographs of those teams. Leo Griffin RIP.
Minister Jimmy Deenihan issued a statement on the passing of Leo Griffin (75) this evening.
Fine Gael TD for Kerry, Minister Jimmy Deenihan, has expressed his sadness on the death of Leo Griffin.
“Leo was a great servant of Kerry football. As the kit-man for the Kerry team he
was part of the gel that bound what was an extraordinary sporting outfit. He was
an extremely popular individual with everyone involved with Kerry football.
“I have known Leo for 45 years, from when I began playing for Kerry as a minor.
He is a man I am proud to have called a personal friend.
“Leo loved Irish culture and was known throughout the country for his involvement with Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.
“He regularly travelled to the Comhaltas conference in America and was an ever present at Fleadh Ceoil na hÉireann.
“My sincere sympathies are with Leo’s sister, Cora. He will be missed by so many people in Kerry and throughout Ireland.”
