The late Michael O'Brien It was with great sadness that the people of Galway City heard of the passing of Liam Mellows President, Michael O'Brien. Predeceased by his wife Delia (nee Keane) in April, 2006, both Michael (aged 93) and Delia were born in Carrabrowne in the parish of Castlegar. Following their marriage, they lived at Railway View, known as Suckeen, which is now St. Brendan's Avenue, Woodquay. At this time, Michael was working part-time into the construction industry and he became one of the best known building contractors in the greater Galway area until his retirement in 1988. Michael was also a native Irish speaker and, indeed, spoke 'as Gaeilge' whenever it was possible. His passion for the Irish language was equally matched by his love of the GAA, especially hurling. He played with the Castlegar club of the 1930s, winning county senior medals in 1936 (v Gort), '37 (v Killimore), '38 (v Maree) and '39 (v Clarinbridge). When the Ballindooley club in his won side of the parish was formed around this period, Michael competed an unique double, winning a county junior championship, to complement his senior medal, in 1939 The Carrabrowne native captained the junior side on that occasion and he subsequently lined out with Ballindooley in the senior ranks the following year in 1940. After moving to town in 1943, Michael was a member of the committee - which also included Ned Walsh, Charlie Hughes and Sean Duggan - which reformed Liam Mellows Hurling Club. Mellows had been disbanded since 1938, although they had won the senior championship in 1935 when beating Ballinderreen 5-0 to 2-2 at the Sports Ground. Michael then played in the 1943 team that won the senior county championship, beating Ballinasloe 3-4 to 2-5 in Loughrea. He later was forced to retire, due to injury, in 1945. However, that did not end Michael's involvement with the club. He subsequently got involved in the day-to-day running of the Mellows as a valued committee member. He also enjoyed the role of selector at different times over the decades. Aside from the many feats Michael accomplished on the playing fields of Galway, one of his other great achievements on the special committee that purchased the land at Ballyloughane, where the Liam Mellows club reside today. He later helped to spearhead the construction of the clubhouse, which was officially opened in 1984. Elected President of the club in 1979, Michael held this position until his death. During this time with Mellows, Michael not only watched his sons and grandsons participate at all levels of hurling and on various committees with the club, but also observed his great grandsons competing at underage level. Indeed, as long as there is hurling in Liam Mellows Hurling Club, the name of Michael 'Mikey' O'Brien will always be fondly remembered. He is survived by his daughter, sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family, along with a wife circle of friends. Courtesy of The Connacht Tribune 03 November 2006 Tweet

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