O'Brien, Denis
November 03, 2012
Denis O'Brien was a quite man of few words, but nonetheless a man of strength, fortitude, wisdom and faith. In his early years Denis was a stalwart of the Staker team. He played centre back and his strength and skill on the hurling field is still spoken of in Bulgaden.
He was a great farmer, builder, gardener, horseman, neighbour, employer and family man. He loved to be involved in local projects and was a founding and committed member of the local Ardkilmartin Cemetery association. The name O'Brien in Bulgaden is synonymous with horse breeding. The story goes that Denis and his brother Michael set out to buy a car but instead brought a thoroughbred mare. And what a wise decision that proved to be! The name of the mare was Gold Proof. Gold Proof was the dam of the famous Monet who was the top two-year old in England winning the Molecombe Stakes in Goodwood and the Stewards Cup as a three-year old. Alan Lillingston, horse breeder, Mount Coote, Kilmallock bought Monet and syndicated him. He stood as a sire in Cashel.
In 1962 Mary Cassatt also progeny of Monet topped the sales in Ballsbridge. Monet was the sire of numerous winners, among them Spaniards Mount that went on to win the Corn Wallis stakes at Ascot. Indeed Denis was an all round horseman. It was said that he had an extraordinary ability to hold a horse. He could make horseshoes and shoe horses, repair harness and he had many old cures and tricks. Denis was interested in everything from international politics to boxing. No doubt he would have been delighted with Ireland's success in the Olympics. It was an honour and a privilege to have known Denis O'Brien. He is survived by his wife Frances, his son Michael, his daughters Marie Therese, Helena, Geraldine, his sisters, Sr. Gabriel, Eileen, Marie and his brother Michael. Indeed he was iconic in his time! Ar dheis De go raibh a anam uasal.
(Text courtesy of Limerick Leader 03/11/12)
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