Kerry GAA is mourning the passing of Leo Griffin, who was bagman for the Kingdom footballers during the golden years of the 1970s and 80s.

The pint-sized Tralee man, who was 75, was a familiar sight at Croke Park as Kerry racked up eight All-Ireland titles under Mick O'Dwyer between 1975 and '86. O'Dwyer described him as "a great and loyal friend to me and Kerry football."

A statement from the Kerry county board last night read: "It was with deep regret that Kerry GAA learned of the death earlier this afternoon of Leo Griffin from Tralee.

"A former kitman with the county team, Leo will forever be remembered, and associated with, an amazingly successful period in Kerry Football - the Mick O'Dwyer era.

"Photographs from that era would indicate that he was, in essence, a lucky mascot for those teams

"Leo was a lifelong member of the John Mitchels GAA Club and a member of the Kerry GAA Supporters Club from the outset. We extend our sympathies to his sister Cora, his Club John Mitchels and his many friends.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."

Requiem Mass for Leo takes place today at 12pm in St John's, Tralee, followed by burial in Kilflynn Cemetery.

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