The late Christy Browne enjoyed a long career with Ardfinnan GAA Club

There was shock and sadness when the passing of Christy Browne of River Street and Marlfield, Clonmel and formerly of Gortnalour, Ardfinnan, was announced.

Christy was the son of Ned and Esther Browne, one of a large family, and went to school at Ardfinnan National School.

From an early age he showed a keen interest in football and hurling and he quickly progressed onto the Ardfinnan Under 15 juvenile football team, lining out at wing back as the club won the south title, defeating Cahir in the final after a replay.

By any standards 1961 was an exceptional year for Christy, who was playing minor for the club at wing forward, as he helped Ardfinnan win the south and county minor football titles for the first time in the club’s history. In the same year he also lined out for Ballybacon/Grange hurling club as they won their first-ever south minor hurling title.

In 1962 he played a key role in Ardfinnan retaining the south and county minor football titles. By 1963 he was a regular on the club’s Under 21 team as they won the south and county titles, with Christy scoring two goals and a point in the county final.

In 1964 he was a member of the senior panel and lined out at corner forward for the team’s south final success. Christy won his first county senior medal as a member of the panel that also won the county title in 1964.

He added another south senior medal to his collection in 1968 but Ardfinnan were defeated by Kilsheelan in the county final.

The following year Christy emigrated to England. On his return he resumed playing with the club, lining out at corner forward in the 1973 defeat to Loughmore/Castleiney.

However, he was successful in 1974 in the club’s county final victory over Fethard, with his brother Joe a teammate.

In 1979 Christy played his final game for the club in the junior football championship. After that he played for Marlfield Hurling Club for a number of years before becoming a South Board referee, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

There can be no doubt that Christy brought great enthusiasm and life to the dressing room, where he was very popular among his teammates. In later years he showed his support when Ardfinnan played championship football by proudly wearing the maroon colours.

He had a lengthy career with the club and was one of their most versatile players who was comfortable at wing back or wing forward, and who will be fondly remembered and respected by teammates and opponents alike.

The huge number of former teammates and club players from both Ardfinnan GAA and Ballybacon/Grange Hurling Club who formed a guard of honour in Irishtown, Clonmel at his funeral Mass at St Mary’s Church is testimony to the esteem in which Christy was held.

Sincere sympathy is extended to his wife Marie, daughters Sandra, Lorraine, Deborah and Dawn, son Wayne, brothers Alfie, Michael, Joe, Martin and Bernard, sisters May, Diana and Esther, extended family and friends.