THE death has occurred of well-known Kerry GAA figure, Leo Griffin, today.

Leo, who grew up in the Mitchels area, was a familiar face around town, but came to be known nationally when he accompanied the Kerry team of the 1970s and 80s during the glory years as their bagman.

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He continued to work for Kerry GAA and could be seen in recent years selling tickets for the annual car raffle.

The funeral Mass will take place tomorrow at Noon in St John’s Church, Tralee, with burial immediately afterwards in Kilflynn Cemetery.

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 together 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.”

You can listen to Leo being interviewed by Weeshie Fogarty back in 2012 by clicking here. He talks about growing up in Tralee and his years in the Kerry set-up.