Tributes have flowed in for the Dublin publisher Michael O'Brien of O'Brien Press, who sadly passed away at the weekend.
Mr O’Brien, who was from Rathgar in north Dublin, founded the publishing house in 1974 along with his father Thomas, and he passed away suddenly on Sunday at St James’s Hospital. Mr O’Brien was described by his family as a “Publisher, activist, artist, sailor” in his obituary.
The O'Brien Press launched its first publication in November 1974, Me Jewel and Darlin' Dublin , written by Éamonn MacThomáis and published while the author was in jail. Among the best known books published by the company was Marita Conlon-McKenna's 'Under the Hawthorn Tree', and it was also the first company to publish the author Eoin Colfer.
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The O'Brien Press has published over two thousand books, more than 850 of which are still in print today, and is one of the country’s leading publishers of adult and children’s books. In 1997, the publisher was awarded The RAI Special Merit Award, the first time the prestigious award went to a publisher rather than to a specific book in recognition of their commitment to the overall quality of the children's books produced in the publishing house.
Mr O’Brien was also awarded the CBI Award of the Decade for Services to Children’s Literature in 2006.
A notice on RIP.ie reads: "O'Brien, Michael (Rathgar) 31 July 2022, suddenly at St James's Hospital. Publisher, activist, artist, sailor. Beloved husband of Svetlana, loving dad to Ivan, Eoin, Dara and Ferdia, and doting grandfather to Alice, Killian, Art, Sally, Grace, and Ruby.
"Sadly missed by his loving family, sisters Sonya, Priya and Miriam, brothers Dermot and Brendan, daughters-in-law Suzanna, Roisin and Sue, his first wife Valerie, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Funeral details to follow."
Among those paying tribute to Mr O’Brien was Dublin’s Gutter Bookshop. Taking to social media, they wrote: "Very sad to hear of the death of publisher Michael O'Brien of The O'Brien Press yesterday. He was a big supporter of Irish authors & publishing & the whole book industry in Ireland. Our thoughts are with @ivanobp & all his family, & with everyone at @OBrienPress today."
Meanwhile, chef and author Brian McDermott paid tribute to Mr O'Brien. He wrote on Twitter: "Very saddened to learn of the death of Michael O Brien of @OBrienPress. A man who supported me & made my book publishing happen.
"Without whom I’d not have launched my books. His support never stopped Thinking today of Ivan who introduced us and all the family & staff."
Audrey Keane, Literature manager in the Arts Council said: "Michael O'Brien had a highly distinguished career in Irish publishing. He worked tirelessly and with unswerving dedication and commitment and his influence in the area of Irish publishing for children in particular leaves a lasting legacy. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family and all at The O’Brien Press".
A local community group Rathgar Community Connect also paid tribute to Mr O'Brien on social media, saying: "Very saddened to hear that Michael O'Brien press and longtime Rathgar resident passed away yesterday. Michael was always interested in holding community events in Rathgar from book festivals to music events to historical walks.
"He was very passionate about the area and will be missed greatly. Sincerest condolences to Michael's family. RIP Michael."
Details of Mr O’Brien’s funeral have yet to be finalised.
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