MY CULTURAL LIFE
Mary Ann O’Brien, businesswoman
Mary Ann O’Brien honed her chocolate-making skills among world-class chefs and chocolatiers in both South Africa and Europe before starting her own mini enterprise from her Kildare kitchen in 1992, naming the company after her daughter, Lily. Lily O’Brien’s Chocolates is now one of the country’s most recognised global brands. Mary Ann is also co-founder of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, along with her husband Jonathan Irwin. This was set up in 1997 following the tragic death of their son Jack. Mary Ann has also served as a senator in the Seanad for a number of years at the request of the then taoiseach Enda Kenny, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the business and charity sectors.
Film: Dr Zhivago
Watching Dr Zhivago (right) on a winter’s evening, with the fire lit and a cup of tea in my hand, sounds like the perfect evening to me. The film stars Omar Sharif as Yuri Zhivago, a married physician whose life is irreversibly altered by the Russian Revolution and subsequent Civil War. The music, the scenery and the landscape are just beautiful.
Composer: Ennio Morricone
There is no better way to switch off and find your soul than listening to Cinema Paradiso by Ennio Morricone. It’s total bliss! I’m also a huge fan of The Gipsy Kings, Tina Turner, Snow Patrol, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Beyonce, the list could go on and on!
Artist: John Lavery
I adore anything by 19th century Irish artist John Lavery (Lady Lavery in an Evening Cloak, left). His portraits are simply beautiful. I’m also a huge fan of Dede Gold, an Irish artist who is now based in London. Dede’s main focus is animals, especially dogs she meets day to day. Lastly, is my daughter artist Lily Irwin. I am so proud of my daughter and how she has turned into a totally creative gorgeous human — her work says it all.
Author: John Donohue
I loved the book The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson — murder, magic and madness, and it is so beautifully written! I was in Chicago on the 18th floor of a building reading this book and I found it captivating, but I was the most afraid I have ever been. There was a tornado warning outside and I was literally chilled to the bone. Another book I like to read is John Donohue’s Benedictus: A Book Of Blessings. Irish author Donohue offers blessings to shelter us as we confront the many challenges we face on our life journey. It makes me grateful for every day I wake up and look out the window.
Design: Luke Irwin rug
It has to be any piece from Luke Irwin’s rug collection (right). Visit his website (lukeirwin. com) and I rest my case. Luke makes beautiful hand-knotted custom rugs from India and Nepal. Each and every one is a work of art and a real centrepiece to add personality and tie a room together.