The mother of two is being remembered as ‘a beautiful girl inside and out’ and ‘a true legend of the game’
08:41, 01 Jan 2026Updated 08:52, 01 Jan 2026
Laura McGibbon (née Brown)
The Armagh community is in deep sorrow following the death of former All-Ireland winning Armagh LGFA star Laura McGibbon (née Brown). The Lurgan native was a legendary figure in Armagh ladies football and also had an illustrious 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 was also nominated for an All Star that year.
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 expressed their grief, stating: “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.
“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.
“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.”
McGibbon, born to the late Harry and Bernie Brown and sister to Leisa, David and Philip. Her funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 2, at 1pm in St Peter’s Church reports Belfast Live.
Laura McGibbon (née Brown)(Image: Inpho)
Her club, Clann Eireann GAC, expressed their condolences in a heartfelt post: “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.”
Tributes have been flooding in online for a woman who made a significant impact through her sporting achievements and beyond.
One mourner penned: “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.”
Another remembered Laura as ‘A beautiful girl inside and out’.
The Armagh county side, sponsored by the Carrickdale Hotel for their 2012 All-Ireland win, also paid tribute to Laura on social media.
The statement read: “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.”
Armagh’s Clan na Gael club expressed: “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.”