Marie Twamley, R.I.P.

We were extremely saddened this week to learn of the untimely death of Marie Twamley, who we had known for many years, through her involvement in MaSamba, MaSamba do Mananha and Munch Samba in Ballymun.

Marie initially got involved in samba to support her children Rob, Aisling and Ciara to get to and from rehearsals of Munch Samba in their local area of Ballymun. Marie was always on hand to help out, and became an invaluable volunteer, helping to make rehearsals and gigs a possibility.

Marie (2nd from right) with MaSamba do Mananha, Barnsley 2006. Also in this photo are L-R: Sandra Fitzgerald, Marie Twamley, Sarah Walker, Valerie Legrave, Jade Fitzgerald, Kim LeNguyen, Eimear Brennan, Elaine Kelly, Declan McCool, Toni Fitzgerald, Rob Twamley, Nikita McKenzie, Aisling Twamley, Jack Keane.

As the ‘kids’ became involved in MaSamba, so did Marie, and she travelled in every week to ensure that her kids could enjoy their hobby of drumming. This was also true of the many other activities they got involved in.

As well as drumming with the group, Marie performed as a ‘baiana’ in some of our parades, helped out with fundraising, and was always more then willing to bring costumes home to wash, or indeed to do anything required. Groups like MaSamba can only exist because of this voluntary support – they are the glue that holds everything together.

Marie Twamley (centre) performing at the Belfast Carnival Parade, June 2006.

As the kids all became successful young adults, and eventually left the MaSamba Youth Group, we didn’t see as much of Marie, but we would often hear reports of her selfless community work, and sense of justice, where she would fight tooth and nail to get the best for her family and her area – she will be sadly missed by all who knew her.