Camogie Poc Fada Hall of Fame Award for Brownstown legend

Mary Henry, now Mary Bray, has been honoured with induction into the 2025 Camogie Poc Fada Hall of Fame, recognising a career defined by passion, power, and pride in her roots.

From a proud Gaelic games family - her father Seán Henry won the 1952 Westmeath Senior Hurling Championship with Brownstown, while her uncle Danny Mulligan starred for Rickardstown - Mary’s talent was clear from her early days with Brownstown Camogie Club. At just 14, she played midfield in the County Junior B Championship Final, helping secure victory, and also lined out for Westmeath in the Leinster U14B Final. She even added an U16 hurling title with Brownstown to her collection.

Famed for her booming puck outs before the 1999 pitch-size rule change, Mary transferred to Lough Lene Gaels when Brownstown disbanded, winning Junior B (1992), Junior A (1994), and Senior B (1998, 1999, 2000) titles. She never forgot her roots, wearing Brownstown’s blue-and-white socks in every game, and in 2007 helped revive the club.

Her versatility shone on the biggest stages and she represented Westmeath at all levels. Mary played for Leinster in the Gael Linn Cup at goalkeeper (1997), centre half-back (2000), and corner-forward (2001), captaining them to victory over Munster that year.

The highlight came in 2006 when, after winning Westmeath and Leinster qualifiers, she conquered the Cooley Mountains to be crowned All-Ireland Poc Fada Champion, aided by spotters Áine Reilly and Allison McCormack. She also represented Ireland in the Shinty/Camogie International.

Though injury ended her playing days in 2008, Mary continues to shape the game as a coach and mentor with the reformed Brownstown club. The Hall of Fame Award ensures she is now celebrated as a trailblazer, a champion, and a true servant of camogie.