Jack O’Brien (1883-1959)

Jack O’Brien, born John O’Brien, lived in Lickeen, Kilfenora, and was remembered fondly as a concertina player, a respected farmer, and a gentle, strong man. He was the uncle of Catherine O’Donoghue (née O’Brien) and the great-uncle of Jimmy O’Donoghue, who spent his childhood in Jack’s house in Lickeen, along with Mary and Michael O’Brien. Mary was a well-known schoolteacher in Kilshanny. Bryan Devitt was a neighbour and would go over to the house playing tunes with him.

Jack was known as a great “cow man” — with a natural gift for working with livestock. In the days before vets were commonly available, he was often called upon far and wide to assist with calving and animal care. His knowledge, strength, and calm manner earned him widespread respect in the farming community.

He worked closely with his brother Michael O’Brien on the family farm. Despite his hardworking life, Jack always made time for music. Jimmy O’Donoghue remembers him often playing the concertina, filling the house with tunes that became part of the fabric of everyday life.

Jack O’Brien passed away at the age of 75 on 15 January 1959, but he is fondly remembered — both for his music and for his quiet strength and deep knowledge of animals.