"Give me a key and I will play in any flat" this was one of the many one liners that Philip Browne would throw at you during a music session of which there were many - because music and his family were Philip's life.

Philip Browne passed away just before Christmas. He was born in Portumna 67 years ago to Billy and Molly Browne, Bridge Road Portumna. He married Anna on January 16 1970. They met in Greece in 1969 at the time Philip was there on contract work. He worked in England and Dublin before returning to Portunma in 1974.

He had a great interest in hurling and won a Juvenile County medal in 1955 and when Portumna won the East Galway Junior title in 1974, Philip was a member of that team also.
Philip and Anna had a great love of music; she with a wonderful voice and Philip playing the Bouzouki.
In 1979 they were instrumental in forming the Portumna Folk Group along with Sister Rosarie, Father Dolan and four Portumna teenagersLiam Martin, Elenor Kelly, Martina McHugh and Pat Moroney, who had just won Slogadh.

From the folk choir came the Portumna Church Choir this was formed in 1985 and have gone from strength to strength under the baton of Mary Joyce.
Philip was a accomplished actor and was a member of the Portumna Players for many years appearing in such plays as "I Do Not Like Thee Doctor Fell" "Moll" and "The Field" it was in John B Keane's classic that he excelled himself playing the part of "The Bird" it was a tour de force performance.

Later in life Philip took up playing golf and represented his club at many levels, winning the Captains Prize in 1984.
Philip was a fitter/plumber by trade and worked for many years in Hanley's of Claregalway and was involved in the manufacturing of the Cross that sits on top of the Church in Renmore.

Philip's wife and children came first and his music was second. Over his forty years of playing music locally, Philip and Anna performed at many weddings and functions and also on the more solemn occasions of funerals. The choir sang at Philips funeral and pulled out all the stops.

Philip was laid to rest in the family plot, Calvary Cemetery on Christmas Eve. He is survived by his wife Anna, daughters Freda, Laura and Petra, his sister Terry and brother Bobby.

- Courtesy of Connacht Tribune, 20th January 2012 Tweet

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