Cribbin, Sean
March 04, 2010Sean Cribbin, community worker supreme, was laid to rest, just yards from his ancestral home in Mainham, on Sunday February 21st 2010.
A legend in his lifetime, known all over Co. Kildare, respected by all GAA club in the county, he had completed an exciting and action-packed journey of life. He was in his 88th year. Sean was steeped in Gaelic games of football and hurling. How could he escape?
Born in 1922, Kildare had won All-Irelands in 1905 and 1919. Two others would be added during the first six years of his life, 1927 and 1928, Kildare, the first County to lift the Sam Maguire cup in 1928. With eight Clane men on board at the beginning, local pride was intense.
Great fireside stories of mighty deeds on the field of play told and re-told. Larry "Hussy" Cribbin, winner of two in '05 and '19, his ferocious strength, centre back Bill Merriman, Joe Rafferty, "Steel" Losty, J.Dunne, J.Wright, Ned Kennedy and Bill Bracken - names etched forever in the memory of Sean.
He would become Clane's memory man, the heartbeat of the club for decades. Elected secretary in 1945 at the age of 23, he fulfilled his duties with impeccable dedication for 25 years. Treasurer 1970-1982, twelve of the busiest years for the club.
Sgt. Peter Marron spotted some land on the Prosperous Road. It was wet and soggy, seven or eight small fields. Sean and Joe Bracken decided it could be developed. It would take some effort and money.
Various and varied fundraisers were held before everything finally fell into place.
Sean funeral cortege halted at Conneff Park on Saturday evening. The young men of Clane 2010 shouldered his coffin high, to the village Church gate, his final visit to the place he loved.
The crowds were magnificent, with practically every club in the county represented, and many came from further afield.
Clane GAA paid its tribute at the church ceremony, words inadequate at times.
His son, Sgt. John Cribbin paid a lovely tribute. Fr. Conor Harpur S.J. celebrated his funeral mass, the collage and the Cribbins always close. Fr. Paul O'Boyle P.P., Fr. Denis Harrington, Fr. P.J. Byrne P.P. Kilcock and R. Richard, a family relative were all in attendance.
To his wife Breda, his family John, Breda, Dominic, Shelia and Richard, our deepest sympathy. We remember his first born Pat, who died in 1988, aged 26 years.
Solas De da anam go deo R.I.P.
Courtesy of the Leinster Leader
March 4th, 2010 Tweet
