A proud local authority library worker and deeply committed trade unionist, Tom held many roles within the union. He was Caothairleach of the Local Government and Local Services Division and represented that division on the Fórsa national executive committee (NEC). He was also a member of the union’s International and Global Solidarity Committee.

He was described as a true trade unionist and a cornerstone of the union.

Fórsa General Secretary Kevin Callinan paid tribute to his long-time comrade and said the union had been “truly bereft” since his passing.

“We’ve lost a selfless man of high principle who shared his wisdom to the benefit of his fellow union members and wider society. Tom was held in the deepest respect by so many and our thoughts are with his wife Bernie, and children Rachel and Jack at this time,” he said.

Fórsa official Padraig Mulligan described his friend’s unwavering commitment to members for the last thirty years. 

“Tom’s commitment and dedication to our Galway branch members, our Local Government DEC and our NEC has been exceptional. If one was asked to describe the perfect union rep one would find it hard to surpass Tom Browne as the perfect example. ‘It’s not what the union can do for me but what I can do for my union,’ goes a little way to capturing the essence of him as a leader. With Tom it was always others first, never ever himself, and we miss him terribly,” he said.

Fórsa National Secretary Richy Carrothers paid tribute to Tom’s loyalty and friendship.

“Throughout our lives we look for people to take example from, and Tom was certainly that. He was a true trade unionist. The world is richer having had Tom in it,” he said.

Fórsa members and activists took part in a guard of honour marking Tom’s funeral. Our thoughts are with Tom’s family and friends at this time.

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