Muireann Grooms (Nee Walshe)

Softball Ireland and the wider softball community were devastated to learn of the death of Muireann Grooms (Nee Walshe) on the 5th of March.

Muireann was a talented softballer who played for many years with Marlay and the Odd Sox Green. She also represented Ireland in the European Championships in 2006, 2008 and 2010. It was in Southampton in 2008, that she met her future husband Roger Grooms – a member of the GB squad.

Muireann travelled with the Dodder Dynamoes team that won the European Club championships in Dupnitsa in 2009 and also played at international tournaments with the Wild Rovers and the Craicers.

Muireann’s death is particularly tragic as it follows that of her brother Brian Walshe who passed away in 2003 at the age of 27 and who was also an international softball player.

Softball Ireland would like to offer our deepest condolences to Muireann’s family; her mum Miriam, her sister Aileen and brother Conor; her husband Roger and children Jessica and Cillian at this unimaginably difficult time.

Anyone who has played with Muireann will know of her dedication, commitment and passion for the game but also her caring nature and kindness to her fellow friends and team-mates. Her death is a huge loss that will be deeply felt by our entire community and by anyone who has had the privilege of knowing her.

Ar dheas Dea go raibh a anam.