The Late Seamus Browne THE death occurred after an illness of Mr Seamus Browne, who was a former member of Ballina Urban Council and was well known in sporting and community circles in the town and area. The late Mr Browne was a noted hurler in his youth and won an All-Ireland medal with Tipperary minors. In later years and, especially in his time in Ballina, he was an accomplished squash player and golfer. A native of Thurles, he went to school in Roscrea where his hurling skills blossomed. He played Leinster Schools hurling and won an All-Ireland medal with Tipp minors in 1949. He won a senior hurling championship medal with Thurles Sarsfields in 1951 and played with the Tipp senior team at about the same time. He moved to Ballina in the early 1950s and quickly established himself as a popular and respected member of the community. He served as a Fine Gael member of the Urban Council and had a deep and abiding interest in the affairs of the town and in its progress and development. The late Mr Browne contributed to many local sporting and community organisations. He was a founder member of Ballina Salmon festival and was also involved in many other local organisations and community activities. Ballina Town Council adjourned their monthly meeting for a half an hour as a mark of respect of Mr Browne and his family. The adjournment was proposed by Méara Mary Kelly and seconded by Cllr Mark Winters. Each of the Council members paid tribute to Mr Browne and extended their sympathies to his wife, Mary, his children and extended family. Mr Browne was Cathaoirleach of Ballina Town Council in 1971. Fellow Fine Gael party member, Cllr Michelle Mulherin said Mr Browne had given great service to his community both as a Councillor and a member of the Fine Gael party. "It is on the legacy of people like him that Fine Gael stands today. We are very grateful for that," she said. Cllr Johnny O'Malley, who is a neighbour of the Browne family, said Seamus Browne had always been generous with his advice and enjoyed political banter. He had put up a great fight through a long illness. The late Mr Browne is survived by his wife Mary, son Jim and daughter Jennifer. Tweet

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