Death of former Mayo footballer Fr. J.J. Cribbin

The death has occurred peacefully at Mayo University Hospital of the Very Reverend Canon J.J. Cribbin, P. P., Milltown, Co. Galway, and formerly of Main Street, Ballyhaunis.

The deceased was a member of the Mayo senior team that won the National Football League crown in 1970.

Regarded as a fearless and tenacious footballer, he was the classic old-style full-forward who had an eye for goal.

In a short career of less than four years, which was curtailed due to injuries, he played 24 times for Mayo and scored a total of 12-31, two of those goals coming in the National League final against Down which Mayo won by 4-7 to 0-10.

He played his last game for Mayo against Roscommon in the Connaught championship of 1972.

A native of Ballyhaunis, he served as curate in the Castlebar and Breaffy parishes for a number of years.

He was also involved as a coach with underage GAA teams, including teams representing Breaffy National School.

A tribute to the deceased by the Archdiocese of Tuam stated: "It is with deep sadness that we ask your prayers for the happy repose of the soul of Fr. J.J. Cribbin, PP, Milltown, who passed away earlier this morning.

"Fr. J.J. was a native of Ballyhaunis and was involved as an inter-county player with Mayo in the '60s and '70s.

"He served the diocese well though out the years, beginning his time as Prefect of Studies in St. Jarlath's College, Tuam, and serving in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese including in Taugheen in the Parish of Crossboyne, Breaffy and Castlebar, Athenry and finally as Parish Priest of Milltown. Fr. J.J. will be dearly missed. Requiescat in Pace."

Predeceased by his parents Anthony and Maria and his brother Tom, he is deeply regretted by his brother Tony, sister-in-law Anne, nieces Louise, Cliona and Aine, nephew Tony, grandnieces and grandnephews, his Grace Archbishop Michael Neary and the priests of Archdiocese of Tuam, his former parishioners, his great friends Val and Maise Jennings, and the wider circle of relatives and friends, to whom deepest sympathy is tendered.

Due to HSE and government guidelines, a private funeral will take place for family members only in St. Patrick's Church, Ballyhaunis, on Sunday next at 12 noon with burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

The funeral Mass can be viewed on Ballyhaunis parish webcam and also listened to on Ballyhaunis Parish radio.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.