Career
A medical doctor before entering politics, Gibbons was elected on his first attempt, when he stood as a Fianna Fáil candidate in the Roscommon constituency at the 1965 general election. After constituency changes, he was re-elected at the 1969 general election in the new Roscommon–Leitrim constituency. He was returned to the Dáil again at the 1973 general election, but did not contest the 1977 general election and retired from politics.
Gibbons was also holder of three All Ireland Medals while playing for Roscommon in the All-Ireland Senior Club Football and Junior Club Football Championships.
He also played for and co founded Saint Ronans Gaelic Athletic Association club in North Roscommon. On his death, he was described by then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as a "Sportsman and a Scholar".