Passing of one of Mayo's greatest ever football talents, Tony Browne

The death of Anthony (Tony) Browne, Farnaught, Westport, has evoked a sense of huge loss in local soccer circles.

The deceased was one of the finest players ever to don the famous black and red colours of Westport United.

In a tribute to him, Westport United FC said he was a member of one of the town's greatest ever teams, playing alongside the legendary Chris Keane and Sean McLoughlin.

The tribute, by Kenny Gannon, added: “Tony would score and create goals, some spectacular and some unorthodox, and he had a great delivery of set pieces, particularly corner-kicks.

“Out of Tony's numerous goals for the club, his most important was undoubtedly his strike against Hoganville in the quarter final of the FAI Junior Cup in March 1969. Johnny McNally netted the winner that day.

“It was a golden age for Westport United and the man with golden hair contributed his weight in gold to keep the local supporters happy.

“However, there was one competition that evaded Tony's grasp, the Connaught Cup.

"Tony was still working in Newcastle when Westport United won the Blue Riband in 1961 and had retired by the time United won the competition in 1974, making him one of the greatest footballers for Westport United never to win the competition.”

There is little question he was one of the most talented players to grace the sport in Mayo and will long be remembered for his qualities on the pitch.

He represented his county in the Oscar Traynor Cup inter-league competition from 1967 to 1970.

Off the pitch, he was a true gentleman and was held in the highest regard.

Predeceased by his daughter Kathy and his grandson Ian McAleer, Tony is sadly missed by his loving wife Kathleen (née Doyle), sons Tony (Belclare), Alan (Tubber Hill), David (Lecanvey), Kevin (Moyhastin), Tom (Farnaught), daughters Caroline (El Massry) Browne (The Quay), Tina McAleer (Farnaught), Ann O'Donnell (Newport), Sabrina Coughlan (Fahy), sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Joseph (London), sisters Margaret Nicholson (Newcastle, UK), Rena Devers (Ballina), brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Deepest sympathy is tendered to the bereaved family on their loss.

Requiem Mass for the repose of his soul took place yesterday in St. Mary's Church, Westport.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate Tony's life will take place at a later date.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.