ONE of Derry's finest Gaelic footballers has died at the age of 90.
Owen Gribbin was part of a famous footballing family and a key member of the Derry senior side which reached the All-Ireland final in 1958 after shocking Kerry in the semi-final at Croke Park.
One of six brothers, he represented the county with distinction at full-forward in a team managed by brother Roddy.
As well as winning the Ulster championship, Owen won several Dr Lagan Cups during a golden period for Derry football.
A long-standing member of Sean O'Leary Newbridge GAC, he also collected county championships and Dean McGlinchy Cup medals in a decorated club career.
The Gribbin surname dominated Newbridge teamsheets in the 1940s and 50s with Owen and brothers Willie, Roddy, Mickey, Hugh Francis and Henry the backbone of a side that became a potent force in Derry.
Fittingly the six brothers were present at Croke Park for the county's finest GAA moment - the 1993 All-Ireland victory over Cork, Derry's only Sam Maguire win.
Following his death on Tuesday morning, Derry GAA spokesman Dermot McPeake hailed Mr Gribbin as an "icon".
"Sometimes forgotten amongst talk of great Derry footballers, Owen Gribbin was a household name throughout Ireland in the '50s and was one of the finest to wear the red and white jersey. A gentleman all his days, Owen Gribbin will remain an icon of Derry GAA. He will be greatly missed," he said.
Nephew and Newbridge committee member Roger Gribbin said Owen and his brothers were guests at the club's 90th anniversary gala dinner earlier this year and he was in good form.
"He was very much well-liked, always joking and a jovial man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He had a great life," he said.
The grandfather and father-of-eight was married to Bernie and a farmer by occupation. He also had a key role in the establishment of the local credit union over 50 years ago.
The funeral will leave his home on Creagh Road, Castledawson on Thursday for midday Mass in St Trea's Church, Newbridge, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.
