'I'm over the moon' Laois Unsung Hero on what inspires his dedication

A standing ovation greeted GAA stalwart Tim Browne in the Midlands Park Hotel in Laois when he was named as the Laois Unsung Hero for 2025.

The top honour of the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards was presented to the Kerry native who has been at the core of developing a small Laois GAA club outside portlaoise for nearly four decades.

Tim Browne has been involved with Clonad GAA Club for over thirty-five years. He has coached and managed teams and has mentored many young players to keep them active in hurling. He has been treasurer for 16 years. While managing all finances, he also heads up any fundraising.

In nominating Tim, the Club described him as a kind and approachable person who works with all. They said his role as Treasurer is all-consuming and he has ensured that Clonad GAA has survived and prospered and is in a very healthy financial situation.

Alongside this contribution, Tim and his business, Browne's Animal Feeds in Portlaoise, sponsor the adult team in the club without asking for any public acknowledgement or appreciation. His business has also employed club players. Alongside this official contribution, Tim reaches out to any players, and the local community has quietly supported many players and neighbours through injury, ill health and other difficulties. Someone recently said to Clonad GAA that every club should have a Tim Browne.

The club added that while helping daily with the club, Tim also calls to elderly members and neighbours, to whom he delivers coal, lunches, and newspapers.

Community & Voluntary Awards: Clive Davis Chair, People First Credit Union presents the Unsung Hero Award to Tim Browne, with supporters. Photo: Michael Scully 

Tim has also been involved in the Clonad Juvenile GAA Club over thirty years ago and trained teams to reach and win underage titles. He has remained actively involved with adults’ teams since finishing with the juvenile structure and recently he has brought his young grandchildren out to play with Clonad and has embarked on the cycle again with a third generation of Brownes involved with Clonad.

The club also said that he generously supports other causes including Portlaoise Action to Homelessness, among others.

Tim spoke afterwards to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

“I’m over the moon. I’m delighted for the people that put me forward. This belongs to the whole of Clonad. We’re a very small club, we depend on each other, we work very hard. It’s so small that we need more people actually.

“I’m delighted for all of Clonad. We had a great year. We had I think six cups this year which is great. Our best in years. We are in the Leinster semi final tomorrow, we hope for the best,” he said.

A Kerryman, Tim says he was reared with hurling, “steeped in it”. He played for Ballyduff in North Kerry, and won two Minor All Ireland Bs and one Senior All Ireland B with Kerry.

“My own kids played with Clonad and unfortunately went further afield. Tadgh played up to U21, my daughter played football with Ratheniska and my son Cormac is taking over the business,” he said.

His grandchildren Sadhbh and Sean are playing now with Clonad.

He explained his motivation.

“I love to see young fellas coming through, and I love keeping them.

“When I came up here first we had no juvenile team. So I started with the juveniles. I shouldn't say this but I'd have eight of them in the car going to matches.

“I remember one evening we only had 14 players. We were only after starting and Ballyfin beat us by a point in the under 14 championship. The boys were very disappointed and I said ‘lads, we’re going to win this championship’. And we did, that same year.

“We’re like a family out there. This is not alone for me, this is for everybody in Clonad. I want to thank everybody involved.

“We have a great club at the moment, the chair, secretary, treasurer, assistant treasurer, everybody, all the coaches, unreal. And all the mothers and daddies that have put in such an effort in the last five and six years.

“Even the pumpkin patch for example, that is a huge success. The effort that’s put in by everybody. Hopefully we can go forward and go back up to senior hurling,” Tim Browne said.

The judge in this category, Muriel Tobin, Waterford PPN commented on the Clonad GAA man's contribution.

“All entries submitted within the ‘Unsung Hero’ category must be commended for their unwavering commitments and contribution to local society in Laois.

“This category is a great opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary efforts of individuals and gives due recognition for giving so generously of their time.

"As a judge for this year’s Community and Voluntary Awards I am honoured to recognise a man who shows the very heart of what community spirit means.

“Our unsung hero has devoted over 35 years to his club. His commitment, kindness, and leadership have strengthened the club through both good times and challenging ones.

“As Treasurer he has helped ensure the club’s financial stability, all while giving endless hours to its day-to-day running. His generosity reaches far beyond the club, regularly supporting elderly neighbours and contributing to local causes such as Portlaoise Action for the Homeless.

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“He has guided underage teams to success, supported adult teams, and now proudly encourages a third generation of his family in Clonad,” said Ms Tobin.

People First Credit Union Chairperson, Clive Davis, had the honour of presenting the award which included a gift voucher courtesy of the Midlands Park Hotel.