The Armagh sporting – and wider community – is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of former All-Ireland winning Armagh LGFA star Laura McGibbon (née Brown).
Laura, from Lurgan, was a central figure in one of the most successful eras in Armagh ladies’ football history and is fondly remembered as both a fierce competitor on the field and a warm, caring presence off it.
Laura, who passed away on Tuesday, December 30, played a pivotal role in Armagh’s 2012 All-Ireland success.
She was named Player of the Match in both the Ulster Final and the All-Ireland Final that year and was later nominated for an All-Star, recognition of her outstanding performances in the orange and white.
Described by teammates as a ferocious full-back, Laura was equally admired for her kindness, positivity and infectious smile away from the pitch.
Tributes from across the LGFA community have highlighted her unwavering support for teammates and the genuine care she showed to everyone around her.
In a heartfelt statement, Armagh LGFA said they were “heartbroken” by her sudden passing, adding that Laura’s legacy would live on through the memories she created, the battles she fought for her county and club, and the love she gave so freely.
Laura is dearly beloved wife of Martin and loving mother to her two young daughters, Eirinn and Maeva. She is the cherished daughter of the late Harry and Bernie Brown, much-loved sister of Leisa, David and Philip, and a beloved daughter-in-law of Brendan and Jacqueline McGibbon.
She is also fondly remembered by her sisters-in-law Julie and Aimee, her extended family, friends, teammates in Clann Éireann, and the wider Armagh LGFA family.
Laura’s remains will be reposing at her home, 96b Castor Bay Road, Lurgan, on Wednesday from 6pm, where family and friends are welcome to call and pay their respects.
Her funeral will take place on Friday, January 2 at 12 noon from her home, with the funeral cortege arriving at Woodville Arms, Lake Street, Lurgan, at 12.30pm, before proceeding to St Peter’s Church for 1pm Requiem Mass. Burial will take place afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery. The Requiem Mass can be viewed via St Peter’s Church webcam.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, may be made to PIPS c/o Jack McLearnon & Son Funeral Directors, 75 North Street, Lurgan, BT67 9AH, or via the donations box in the home.
Tributes have been pouring in following the shock news with local sports journalist Eugene Creaney describing it as “a huge blow for the community”.
Others reminisced of a “wonderful” woman who “always had a smile on her face”.
One woman wrote: “You will never know your worth to people who loved you. Everyone you ever spoke to interacted with walked away happier having done so because you had a special gift of lifting people’s hearts. A unbelievable footballer who we will never see the like of again. Please look after your family and friends from heaven above. Rest in peace.”
Our thoughts are with Laura’s family, friends and all those who knew and loved her. May she Rest in Peace.
