A Cambuslang stalwart is set to turn 100 years old today.
Thomas O’Brien will then mark his landmark birthday at the Kirkhill Bowling Club on Sunday amongst members and his friends and family, who are travelling from around the world to celebrate the special occasion.
Gerry O’Brien, Thomas’ youngest son, has organised the event in cooperation with his brothers. He said: “My dad is fiercely independent and still living and looking after himself on his own even after my mother died in 1999, who he still misses every day.
“It is always difficult to express thanks just in case someone is missed, and there is no intention of doing that. Whoever you are in any way or part of Tom’s journey, please consider heartfelt thanks for all you have done for him and Sheila. Whoever and wherever you are in this remarkable journey, consider yourself greatly appreciated.”
Thomas was one of 11 children born to his parents, coal miner Edward O’Brien and Jane McGiver in 18 Vicarland Road, Kirkhill and attended St Bride’s School in Cambuslang.
A young 16-year-old Thomas would meet the love of his life, Sheila, through school when a teacher asked them to start a badminton club.
From there, they would work together during WWII, with Sheila working with the Ministry of Defence and Tom being in a reserved occupation (building/recovery) and the Home Guard.
The love birds would get married in St Bride’s Church on June 18, 1945, and have three sons – Tony in 1947, Frank in 1949 and Gerard in 1957 – now having six grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren as well.
In 1964 he set up his own building firm with Sheila doing the administration, including ordering, wage processing, the accounts and book-keeping: hence Thomas O’Brien Builders.
Tony joined the business, and later Frank became a director, with the firm going from general renovations, roof repairs, and stone masonry to house building and notable conservation work.
In 1974 Tom was even awarded the European Heritage Year Award for Building Conservation by HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh.
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