GAA legend Mick O’Brien was ‘one in a million’
‘ONE in a million’ was how GAA legend Michael ‘Mick’ O’Brien, Templemichael, Arklow has been described following his death on New Year’s Eve.
Mick, who was revered in the GAA community in both his native County Carlow and his adopted County Wicklow passed away peacefully at St Colmcille’s Hospital following a brief illness.
Mick worked in the air corps and later in the construction industry and was married to Anne and was father to Michael, Mary and Catriona.
He was grandfather to Darragh, Shonagh and Clodagh.
Anyone who knew Mick, was aware of his phenomenal sporting achievements both as player, coach and trainer.
He was the only person to ever received the GAA Hall of Fame Award in both Wicklow and Carlow, but wherever he went, Mick brought his GAA skill and knowledge with him.
He even achieved two senior hurling championships with Dublin teams - Kilmacud Crokes and The Junior Board Selection.
In 1962 he won an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling championship with Carlow and in 1969 turned his hand to refereeing for the Senior hurling final between Carnew and Kilcoole.
It was back in 1970 when Mick first joined the Arklow Rocks GAA Club when he moved to Arklow for work.
He soon made his mark and won and captained the team to senior hurling championship success in 1970, ‘71 and ‘72.
As a manager, Mick was no un- der-achiever and captained Wicklow to an All-Ireland Intermediate hurling final and managed the team which made the Keogh Cup final in 1989.
Not content with a string of hurling accolades to his credit, Mick was also a strong footballing man and manager the Wicklow footballers to the National League quarter-final against Tyrone.
Tributes have been paid to Mick from across the GAA community.
Wicklow County Board chairperson Martin Fitzgerald said that Mick O’Brien was ‘one in a million, a sporting legend and a gentleman both in sport and in business.’
‘He is deeply regretted within the GAA community. He had a wonderful career and he made such a mark on the GAA. His achievements in both hurling and football were really something and the fact that he achieved a Hall of Fame award in two counties speaks for itself. He will be very sadly missed.’
Funeral mass for Mick will take place at St Joseph’s Church, Templerainey, Arklow on Thursday, followed by burial in Barniskey Cemetery.
Mick is survived by his wife Anne, children Michael, Mary and Catriona, grandchildren Darragh, Shonagh and Clodagh, son-in-law Paul, daughter-inlaw Trisha, brothers Sean and Matt, sister Marie, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
May he rest in peace.