Biography

Thomas Christopher O'Brien was born in Limerick City on 18th June 1919. He had three older brothers Ken, Batt and Matt and a younger sister, Mary. He was named after his father who hailed from Nicker, Old Pallas, County Limerick. His father Tom Snr., was very well known in sporting circles in Limerick and was manager of Nestors Bros., sports goods, in O'Connell Street, Limerick. His mother, Molly McMahon from Killuran, Broadford, County Clare. Tom was always very proud of both his Limerick and Clare lineage.

O'Brien family of Killuran, Shelbourne Avenue, Limerick (c. 1929-1930). Left to right - Kennedy, Bartholomew, Mary, Molly, Thomas Jnr., Thomas Snr. Matthew

After leaving school, Tom worked as an accountant and company secretary with John Quin & Co. Ltd., Tea, Wine and Spirit Merchants, Ellen Street, Limerick. In 1949 Tom married Maureen Cunningham Dineen from Henry Street, Limerick. They set up home in Fort Mary Park, North Circular Road, Limerick and four children - Joyce (O'Callaghan), Anne (O'Broin), Tom and Michelle (Dundon).

From 1975 - 1998 Tom and Maureen had a newsagents, 'Ninety Six', in Maureen's family home at 96 Lower Henry Street, Limerick. Tom and Maureen remained devoted to each other until Maureen passed away on 15th March 2009. Some four months later, on 1st August, Tom died of a broken-heart. Both Tom and Maureen are sadly missed by their four children, nine grandchildren, family and friends.

Tom's collection of poems is something to be 'dipped into' from time to time. We hope you find something of interest there and perhaps a few moments of nostalgia and enjoyment. Above all, we hope that through his poetry, Tom's memory will live on.

Ar dheis de go raibh a hanam dilis.