RIP: Late Jim Browne was renowned for his work ethic and his enormous contribution to GAA in Longford, Coventry and Roscommon

Almost four months to the day since the death of his wife Phil, the very sad news reached us on Wednesday, May 28 of the death of Jim Browne, Ballyglass. 

Jim, Ballyglass, Lanesboro, Co Roscommon, formerly and Kilcurry, Colehill, Co Longford and Coventry, passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of Sonas Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague, surrounded by his loving family. 

It has been a particularly tough time on Jim and his family over the four months as in between Jim also lost his sister Martha Glennon, Cloonadra, in March. 

Jim, originally a native of Colehill, Carrickedmond along with Phil and their family returned to settle in Ireland from Coventry in the 1980’s. 

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He spent his working life with machinery and upon his return was a man always in demand due to the outstanding quality of his work. When a job had to be completed time did not matter to Jim as he would spend as much time as need to ensure it was done and done right.

Without doubt he was the most obliging and the most helpful man you could meet, his word was his bond and this gained him huge respect – he left an indelible mark on our community. 

Second only to his family came his lifelong love of the GAA and while in Coventry he played a major role with the Roger Casement club and along with Phil was renowned for the work they did for the new Irish lads or lassie coming to the city. 

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After coming home his GAA family was now St. Faithleach’s where he a very active committee member holding many executive positions, club senior and minor chairman as well as many more significant roles. 

Jim was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and he was very proud to see them wear the St. Faithleach’s jersey. In 2006 there was no prouder man in Croke Park on All-Ireland final day when his grandson Stephen Ormsby along with the Roscommon minors victoriously climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand in the All-Ireland minor final having just beaten Kerry.

Jim had a great sense of community spirit and his affable and obliging nature ensured that he was respected wherever he went. He was renowned for his work ethic, integrity, warmth and friendliness.

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Time always stood still when talking with Jim and you were always much more knowledgeable when he departed your company. Remembering Jim in conversations with others, it seems there was nowhere in the country that he was not known and fondly remembered. His passing will leave a great emptiness amongst us but recalling his time with us will always bring a great smile to our sad heart.

Jim reposed at his residence on Friday last, May 30 and his remains were removed to The Church of the Holy Rosary on Saturday for his Funeral Mass. Interment took place afterwards when he was laid to rest alongside his beloved Phil in Cloontuskert Cemetery.

Jim was predeceased by his recently departed wife and best friend, Phil, his parents Joe and Agnes Browne, sisters Martha Glennon (Ballyleague), Anne Thompson (Isle of Man), Vonnie Devine, Delia Shannon, brother Joe Browne (Coventry) and son-in-law Michael Kelly.

To his heartbroken daughters, Helen (Kelly), Teresa (Ormsby), sons, Joseph and Declan, son in law Steve and daughter in law Patricia, his adored grandchildren, Rebecca and Ruth Kelly, Stephen, Siobhan, Aisling and Liam Ormsby, Katie and James Browne; his great grandchildren Lottie and Tommy Ormsby and Éala and Seán Óg Grimes; his sisters, Doreen Kearney and Kathleen Dardis (Ballymahon), brothers, Paddy and Peter (Coventry), brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, neighbours and huge circle of friends we extend our sincere sympathy.

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