Kerry GAA bag man Leo Griffin dies

Before there were dieticians, logistics specialists and conditioning coaches, there was Leo Griffin — Kerry GAA bag man and lucky mascot.

The tiny Tralee man with the devilish smile passed away yesterday, aged 75, having ridden as pillion passenger to Mick O’Dwyer and the greatest era of dominance in All-Ireland football championship history.

Griffin was more than O’Dwyer’s kit man; he was an ever-vigilant presence around the Golden Years squad and protected them like his own. Leo brooked no debate on access if his manager didn’t given the nod. He was, as O’Dwyer said, “a great and loyal friend to me and Kerry football”.

Kingdom GAA officials of the time reflected last night that Leo Griffin had more stories to tell than All-Ireland medals collected in that 1975-86 period.

Griffin was a lifelong member of the John Mitchels Club in Boherbee, Tralee, and a member of the Kerry GAA Supporters Club from the outset. Requiem Mass for Leo takes place today at 12pm in St John’s, Tralee, followed by burial in Kilflynn Cemetery.