Tributes have been paid to Padraigh Griffin, one of the most talented Cork club footballers in recent memory, following the announcement of his passing last Sunday.
His club Clonakilty posted a message on Sunday afternoon confirming their former player's passing.
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we learnt last evening of the passing of our great club hero Padraigh Griffin RIP. He was probably the best player to have worn the Green and Red in recent times, contributed so much to the Club during his entire playing career and truly was a Club legend.
Club Legend
The Clon footballer is best known for his role in his club's surprise Cork SFC win in 1996 where he played a starring role in the semi-final.
Against St Finbarr's, his side were one point down in the final minute of injury time when Padraigh was in shooting range for a point. Instead, the ball was in the back of the net as the youngster decided to try his luck and go for goal. They won the final by beating UCC by 1-9 to 0-10 in which he reportedly ran future Kerry star Seamus Moynihan ragged.
Padraigh would later return to his club in 2009 helping them to win the senior football championship again. He made a few appearances for the Cork Senior Team in-between.
Remembering Padraigh Griffin
The Clonakilty forward will be fondly remembering for helping his club end their 44 year famine in 1996. Tributes were pain to him on social media.
Padraigh Griffin. The best footballer many of us ever laid eyes upon. A diminutive colossus, he was a wizard with a ball in his hands whose magic entertained us for years - how he made us cheer. He was also a wonderful human. Our hearts bleed for Debbie & all the gang. #RIPGriff https://t.co/9o87Xn3kQN
— Richard Forristal (@R_Forristal) October 23, 2022
It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Padraigh Griffin from @clongaa. This most talented and unassuming person was so often the difference between victory and defeat for his beloved club . He was a member of the 1996 and 2009 county winning side. May he RIP pic.twitter.com/y5uGpqQBqo
— Paudie Palmer (@PaudieP) October 23, 2022
our deepest condolences to padraig wife debbie,children alex and jack, brother mark, it was with deep sadness that we stood for minutes silence today before game,,,,,RIP griff,,legend pic.twitter.com/yaRPruh7iC
— clonakilty soccer club (@clonsoccerclub) October 23, 2022
The thoughts of all in St. James’ are with The Griffin Family and the wider @clongaa community on the untimely death of former star and talented forward Padraigh.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. pic.twitter.com/R5Izjx3mNm— St. James' GAA (@stjamesgaa_cork) October 24, 2022
Our sympathies are extended to his family and friends.
