Griffin, Donal 'Donie'
July 31, 2013He was the second youngest in a family of six with sisters, Breda, Maura and Mairead and brothers Teddy and Brendan. In his teenage years he was a gifted sportsman and hit the headlines in 1956 when, as a seventeen-year-old, he scored two late goals for South Kerry in the County Senior Championship semi-final against Feale Rangers. Donie went on to capture his first County Championship medal in 1956 and he collected his second when South Kerry defeated St. Brendan's in 1958. He played minor for Kerry in 1956 and 1957 winning a Munster Championship medal in the defeat of Cork in the '57 final. He also played minor hurling for Kerry in 1955, 1956 and 1957. While in London in 1959 he helped Naomh Mhuire to reach the League and Championship finals.
Donie joined an Garda Siochana and was stationed initially in Dingle and assisted West Kerry to the County Football final where he scored 0-7 in the draw against John Mitchel's which finished 0-9 to 1-6. Boherbee won the replay, however.
It was while stationed in Ballyheigue that he met his dear wife-to-be Mary, the daughter of Tom and Margaret Doyle who owned the well known Doyle's Ballroom. They were married in 1962 and were blessed with four children, Amanda, Padraig, Emma and Donal. Following his time in Ballyheigue, Donie was then stationed in Brosna. While there he acted as secretary of the club and won a Novice County Championship in 1969.
In 1970 Donie and his family moved to Knocknagoshel where he served for a further "twelve years. In 1981 he transferred to Listowel for the' remaining fourteen years of his service. His dear wife Mary died in 1998.
Donie was a member of Ballybunion Golf Club where he won many competitions including the Ardfert Trophy in 1999, and he represented Ballybunion on the Billy
O'Sullivan and JB Carr teams. He was also captain of the seniors.
Donie will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Ar Dheis De go raibh an ainm.
Courtesy of The Kerry's Eye Tweet
