The Armagh community is mourning following the death of former All-Ireland winning Armagh LGFA star Laura McGibbon (née Brown). A native of Lurgan, she was regarded as an iconic figure in Armagh ladies football and also enjoyed a distinguished career with her club, Clann Éireann.
McGibbon was named Player of the Match in both the Ulster final and the All-Ireland final in 2012 with Armagh, and she was also nominated for an All Star in the same year, reports The Mirror.
She was married to Martin McGibbon and was the mother of two young daughters, Eirinn and Maeva. She passed away on Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
Armagh LGFA paid tribute, saying: “All of us in Armagh LGFA are heartbroken by the sudden passing of our former All-Ireland winning player, Laura McGibbon (née Brown), a true legend of the game. A ferocious full-back on the pitch, yet off it she had the warmest heart – always there for her teammates, always smiling, a smile that could light up any room”, reports The Mirror.
“Laura’s legacy will live on through the memories she created, the battles she fought in orange and white, and the love she gave so freely to everyone around her”, reports The Mirror.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to her beloved husband Marty, her precious wee girls Eirinn and Maeva, her extended family, friends, her teammates in Clann Éireann, and all who were lucky enough to know her”, reports The Mirror.
McGibbon was the daughter of the late Harry and Bernie Brown and sister to Leisa, David and Philip. Her funeral Mass will take place on Friday, January 2, at 1pm in St Peter’s Church, reports Belfast Live.
Her club, Clann Éireann GAC, also shared a heartfelt message: “Clann Éireann Committee would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the McGibbon/Brown families on the passing of our esteemed member, former player, coach and current staff member Laura, loving wife of Martin and loving mother to Eirinn and Maeva. Our sincere condolences to their entire family circle at this very sad time”, reports The Mirror.
Tributes have continued to pour in online for a woman remembered for her impact both on and off the pitch.
One mourner 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”, reports The Mirror.
Another tribute described Laura as ‘a beautiful girl inside and out’.
The Armagh county team, sponsored by the Carrickdale Hotel during their 2012 All-Ireland success, also shared a message in her memory on social media, reports The Mirror.
The statement said: “The McParland Family, Management and Staff of the Carrickdale Hotel and Spa are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Laura McGibbon (nee Brown). Laura was an exceptional talent, proudly representing her county for many years. As long-time sponsors of @armaghlgfa, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Laura’s husband, children, extended family and friends , and all who had the privilege of knowing her. May she rest in peace”, reports The Mirror.
Armagh’s Clan na Gael club also said: “Everyone at Clan na Gael CLG extends our deepest sympathies on the sad passing of Laura McGibbon. We offer our sincere condolences to the McGibbon and Brown families, and to our neighbouring Gaels in Clann Éireann, at this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of a much loved and respected member of the wider GAA community”, reports The Mirror.
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