‘A true club stalwart’ — Mayo GAA club honour key club figure

It was only as we were called to stand for a minute’s silence ahead of the Ballina Stephenites v North London Shamrocks game in the Connacht Club quarter final in Bekan on Saturday night that I heard of the passing of Marian Browne.

Indeed, I had to turn to Claire Regan from Ballina who was sitting beside me to confirm that it was Marian who so many of us knew from covering matches in Ballina down the years.

Marian was synonymous with hosting the interval hospitality of tea, coffee, buns, cakes and biscuits upstairs in the Stephenites reception room.

She exuded hospitality and always had a warm welcome for us. She always had everything under control and exuded a serenity and kindness that came with years of taking care of players, officials, press and all that converged on that homely room.

Whatever happens in Hyde Park in Roscommon in the Connacht semi-final next Sunday, Marian would have been proud of the journey taken by the club’s senior team over the last three years.

She was such a part of the heart and soul of the club over the decades and the many tributes have been richly earned by a lady who gave so much incredible support to the club down the years.

Ballina Stephenites, in a statement issued by the club extending condolences to the family, said it was with deep sadness that they shared the news of the passing of Marian Browne who was a lifelong member, dedicated volunteer and true pillar of the club and community.

“Marian’s contribution to the Stephenites over many decades was nothing short of remarkable.

"She served as club secretary from 2015 to 2018, as well as secretary of Bord na nÓg, giving freely of her time, energy, and expertise to ensure the smooth running of club affairs.

“For over 30 years, Marian was central to the organisation of the club bingo, one of our most important fundraisers and social gatherings, a role she carried out with great care, efficiency, and good humour.

"She was also an active member of the Women’s Committee where her leadership and kindness shone through in everything she did.

“Marian’s passion for sport extended beyond Gaelic games. She was a longstanding member of the Ballina Stephenites Squash Club where she both played and coached juvenile players.

"Marian also served as Squash Club Secretary during the 1980/81 and 1981/82 seasons.

“Within the Stephenites grounds, she was a familiar and friendly face in the club shop, which she helped to run for more than 30 years, greeting generations of members and supporters with warmth and generosity.

“Her dedication to the wider Ballina community was equally inspiring.

"In 2023, Marian was honoured by the Ballina Salmon Festival, receiving the inaugural community award shield in recognition of her outstanding volunteerism and service to numerous local organisations and events.

“Marian’s passing leaves a profound void in the heart of our club. Her commitment, selflessness, and deep love for the Stephenites will never be forgotten.

"A true club stalwart, Marian Browne embodied the very best of what our club stands for, community, dedication, and friendship. She will be massively missed by everyone in Ballina Stephenites.”

The Ballina Salmon Festival Committee said Marian was a beloved festival volunteer, valued adviser, loyal friend, and one of the true cornerstones of the community:

“Marian was the recipient of the Spirit of the Festival Award, The Kevin Clarke Inaugural Perpetual Shield, as Ballina Salmon Festival Volunteer 2023.

"The award recognised not only her incredible volunteering that year but for over 20 years of selfless service to the festival and the wider Ballina community.

“Marian truly embodied the very best of Ballina. Her kindness, generosity, and deep sense of community touched everyone who knew her.

"A lifelong volunteer and friend to many, she gave so much of herself in service to others. Through her dedication to the Ballina Stephenites GAA Club, her wholehearted involvement with the Ballina Salmon Festival, and countless other local causes, Marian shared her time, her warmth, and her laughter freely.

"Her spirit and love for this town will live on in all who had the privilege to know her. May her memory continue to inspire us all.”

Former editor of the Western People, Terry Reilly, said that Marian was a marvelous community activist and a great mother who will be sadly missed by legions.

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, on Friday and was followed by burial in Leigue Cemetery, Ballina.

Marian, formerly Hanley of Rathlee, Co Sligo, who was predeceased by her husband Peter and her son Micheál her parents Michael John and Mary, will be sadly missed by her sons Seamus and Peter, her brother Micheál and sister-in-law Martina, brothers-in-law Simon and Jimmy and sister-in-law Patricia, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours, and friends.