Michael Griffin (Irish priest)
Encyclopedia
Father Michael Griffin was an Irish
Roman Catholic priest.
Griffin was born at Gurteen, near Ballinasloe, County Galway
. He was ordained at St Patrick's College, Maynooth
in 1917. A priest of the Diocese of Clonfert
, he served in the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora
.
In June 1918, he was transferred from the parish of Ennistymon, County Clare
, to the parish of Rahoon in Galway City.
On the night of 14 November 1920, he was lured to his death by British forces. On November 20 his body was found in a bog near Barna
. He had been shot through the head. On November 23, after solemn requiem mass, the start of the funeral journey took place through the streets of Galway. It was one of the largest ever seen with three bishops, 150 priests and in excess of 12,000 mourners participating, as the city he loved paid its last farewell to the dead priest.
He was buried in the grounds of Loughrea Cathedral.
When a group of enthusiasts gathered together in Galway in the spring of 1948 to form a football club which they unanimously agreed to call Father Griffins
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
Roman Catholic priest.
Griffin was born at Gurteen, near Ballinasloe, County Galway
County Galway
County Galway is a county in Ireland. It is located in the West Region and is also part of the province of Connacht. It is named after the city of Galway. Galway County Council is the local authority for the county. There are several strongly Irish-speaking areas in the west of the county...
. He was ordained at St Patrick's College, Maynooth
St Patrick's College, Maynooth
St Patrick's College, Maynooth is the "National Seminary for Ireland" , and a Pontifical University, located in the village of Maynooth, 15 miles from Dublin, Ireland. The college and seminary are often referred to as Maynooth College. The college was officially established as the Royal College...
in 1917. A priest of the Diocese of Clonfert
Roman Catholic Diocese of Clonfert
The Diocese of Clonfert is a Roman Catholic diocese in the western part of Ireland. It is in the Metropolitan Province of Tuam and is subject to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam...
, he served in the Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora
Roman Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora is a Roman Catholic diocese in the western part of Ireland. It is in the Metropolitan Province of Tuam and is subject to the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tuam...
.
In June 1918, he was transferred from the parish of Ennistymon, County Clare
County Clare
-History:There was a Neolithic civilisation in the Clare area — the name of the peoples is unknown, but the Prehistoric peoples left evidence behind in the form of ancient dolmen; single-chamber megalithic tombs, usually consisting of three or more upright stones...
, to the parish of Rahoon in Galway City.
On the night of 14 November 1920, he was lured to his death by British forces. On November 20 his body was found in a bog near Barna
Barna
Bearna is a Gaeltacht village west of Galway city in County Galway, Ireland, on the R336 regional road. Once a satellite of Galway city, the village is now rapidly becoming one of its suburbs. Officially the village is regarded as Irish speaking and is therefore a constituent part of the regions...
. He had been shot through the head. On November 23, after solemn requiem mass, the start of the funeral journey took place through the streets of Galway. It was one of the largest ever seen with three bishops, 150 priests and in excess of 12,000 mourners participating, as the city he loved paid its last farewell to the dead priest.
He was buried in the grounds of Loughrea Cathedral.
When a group of enthusiasts gathered together in Galway in the spring of 1948 to form a football club which they unanimously agreed to call Father Griffins
Father Griffins
Father Griffins is a Gaelic Athletic Association club based in Galway, Ireland. The club is a member of the Galway GAA. Father Griffins are a Gaelic football club....
.