Team mates mourn man of sport

Paul Dunlop
A GREAT supporter of sport who knew how to celebrate his teams’ successes is how many people will remember Michael Griffey.
Whether it was following his children’s football and car racing endeavours or taking to the field for his beloved Cardinia Cricket Club, Mr Griffey’s enthusiasm and dedication never dimmed.
Mike Higgins, who coached the Pakenham under14 football team to the 2001 premiership, told mourners at Mr Griffey’s funeral that his friend had been a close ally and assistant during the prizewinning season.
Mr Higgins spoke of Mr Griffey’s ability to get along with people and his generosity in sponsoring the team and encouragement awards.
“He had the knack of making even the shyest people feel welcome and part of things,” Mr Higgins said.
The 2001 under14s lost the first six or eight games but recovered to win the grand final.
Mr Higgins said Mr Griffey, whose son Kenny was a player in the team and had served the club in several ways during the year, turned up for the aftermatch celebrations with his face painted in the Lions’ colours.
He said their friendship was based on a meeting over a few cold beers a common memory for many at the funeral.
Mr Griffey’s strong sense of style and team spirit extended to chaperoning members of the Cardinia Cricket Club’s junior team to Emerald in a limousine when the family ran a hire business.
On another occasion, he helped thaw the youngsters out after an unseasonably cold day’s play by buying hot dim sims and potato cakes all round.
Filling in for Cardinia’s F Grade team one day, Mr Griffey fielded at square leg while taking limo bookings on the mobile phone.
Cricketers formed a guard of honour when Mr Griffey’s funeral cortege arrived at Pakenham cemetery.
His Cardinia cap sat alongside bouquets of flowers on top of the casket.