The late Seamus Griffin The SPA mourned the loss of one of its most cherished and loved characters. Seamus Griffin passed away after a long battle with illness. Seamus with his undoubted courage, fortitude and with the loving and patient support of his wife Sheila and sons Joseph, Seamus, Diarmuid, Mike, Colm and daughter, Mary and his grandchildren, bravely fought this battle. The sad loss of this great character leaves a void in many people's lives. A man of very many interests Seamus had a great zest for life. Foremost in his interests was the GAA. Seamus himself excelled in his favourite sport playing for the Kerry minors in 1946. Playing with a passion and a fierce competitive spirit Seamus captained the St Brendan's team in the county championship O'Rahillys in 1957. Yet particularly in later years Seamus often also mentioned that he was proud to say that he too played with the O'Rahillys in his earlier years. At that time Seamus was an outstanding boxer with the Desmond Boxing Club in Tralee. He also played handball, badminton and hurling being known as "The one handed hurler". He served as president of Churchill GAA Club and was also first chairman of Spa/Fenit/Barrow Community games, being immensely proud when his grand-daughter Blaithin won a gold medal this year with her relay team. As well as Athletics Seamus also had a keen interest in horse racing and was a regular visitor to the dogs. Something known but to a few was that Semaus's great generosity in his younger days when many families and friends availed of this trait in Seamus, prior to the advent of the Celtic Tiger. A lover of nature he was a very enthusiastic gardener. He won many prizes for his produce, one at the County Fair. He also loved the camaraderie of the oyster season. A very entertaining person, Seamus loved a good party and his renditions of "The Bridle on the Wall" and "You are my sunshine" were regularly hear in the Spa. Of course Seamus will be missed by his family but in the later years Seamus was also part of a large card playing family. He will be sorely missed from the game because of the fun and sometimes devilemnt he brought to the card table. With his friends Danny, Mark, Ann and partner Jim, he travelled the whole of North Kerry to anywhere a game was to be had. In the last few months Seamus relied on his own spirituality and the support of his wife Sheila and family as he battled with his illness. A true original, Seamus will be sadly missed by his family and all who knew him. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam usail. Courtesy of The Kerryman 11 October 2006 Tweet

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