O'Brien, Canon James
October 20, 2012The late Canon James was a member of a very well known family in Mitchelstown. Aged 93 he visited his family in this area every year. During his long life he was a great sportsman. Over the years he kept a keen interest in Cork's hurling and football achievements being a great admirer of the hurling skills of the late Christy Ring and current player Sean Og O'h-Ailpin. An accomplished golfer, he enjoyed many a game in Mitchelstown and Killarney as well as other Golf courses.
The late Canon James was ordained to the Priesthood in St. Peter's Wexford in 1944 and served all his working like in the Priesthood in England. In 2009 he was presented with an outstanding service award for services in the town of Chard. He spoke to everyone and was very popular in the town and surrounding districts. As a priest he served 3 parishes, Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminister for 42years. On the occasion of his Silver Jubilee in 1969 the late Canon James was presented with a chalice by his five brothers. His housekeeper Sheila Theobald presented the chalice to the Mitchelstown parish on the occasion of his funeral on Friday last. In 2010 Canon James at the age of 91 retired having spent 66 years in active ministry and was saying daily Mass up to a few weeks ago. In his youthful days in Mitchelstown he was an accomplished hurler. He was the last surviving member of the O'Brien family being predeceased by his brothers Jack, Denis, Tom, Paddy & Kevin, there was a very large and represented attendance at the Requiem Mass in Mitchelstown Parish Church and burial on Friday October 12. Interment took place to the adjoining new cemetery. To his devoted housekeeper and carer Shelia, his Bishop The Right Reverend Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton, his parishioners, his nephews, nieces, sister in law, relatives, extended family and friends we tender our sincere sympathy.
Courtesy of Limerick Leader 20/10/12 Tweet
