Tributes pour in after tragic death of 'club legend'…

Tributes pour in after tragic death of 'club legend' and Cork GAA star Padraigh Griffin

Tributes have poured in following the tragic death of former Cork GAA star and school teacher Padraigh Griffin.

The "great sportsman" won a Cork Senior Football Championship title with Clonakilty GAA club in 1996.

Announcing the sad news, the club wrote on social media: "It's 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.

"To Debbie, Jack and Alex, we extend our sincere sympathies. Our condolences also to Mark, the extended Griffin, Hurley and O'Donovan families and in particular to Helen.

"A Guard of Honour will be arranged and those participating are asked to wear Club colours. Full details to follow.

"May Padraigh's gentle soul Rest In Eternal Peace."

A funeral notice reads: "GRIFFIN (Tawnies Cottage, Clonakilty): at his home, PADRAIGH (Clonakilty G.A.A. and Ballincollig Community School) beloved husband of Debbie (RDJ), devoted father to Jack and Alex, now reunited with his late parents Pat and Patricia and dear friend Brian Scannell.

"Lovingly remembered by his wife, sons, 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."

The local community has been left devastated by the news as people took to social media to express their sympathies to the family.

One person wrote: 'It's with deep sadness that I write this post on the very untimely passing of Padraigh Griffin.

"I knew Padraigh all my life, as I knew his family all my life. His father Pat Griffin & mother Patrica Deleaney Griffin were members of the great community which is Clonakilty town and while I remember them since I was a boy, his father Pat (An Garda Siochana) , & former Kerry footballer, trained me at underage in Clonakilty Gaa Club and I was privileged to have known them both for many great days at matches & nights socialising playing cards in Con & Mauras Bar on the Hill.

"Their passing was a huge sorrow to all who knew them, May they both Rest In Peace.

"Padraigh was a great sports man ,hugely competitive who represented his club (along with brother Mark) with Padraigh being hailed a Superstar back in 1996 in the Semi Final in Bandon v the Barrs , on that day his lethal right footed shot rebounded back to him only to refire with the same right foot into the roof of the net to then go On to win the Andy Scannell that year 96 (after 44 years )before repeating the feat in 2009.

"Padraigh who always wore the jersey with honour in every age group before playing for me in WC Junior games in 2010 2011. He was also very competitive on the soccer field again 110% to his game.

"I know his loss to his teammates and friends in Clon & around the county will be immense and heartbreaking.

"To his brother Mark with his family & especially to his wife Debbie along with her two beautiful twin sons & her extended family I offer my deepest condolences and ask you never to forget Padraigh whose journey on will be sadly missed."

Another wrote: "My absolute favourite teacher in school.

I learned so much from him and doing the mini-company was of the most beneficial parts of school for me. So upset for his family. RIP Mr. Griffin".

While St. James' GAA club said: 'The thoughts of all in St. James' are with The Griffin Family and the wider Clonakilty GAA community on the untimely death of former star and talented forward Padraigh.