Member of 1951 All-Ireland winning minor team passes away
The late John F. O'Brien.
Kiltoom native John F. O’Brien, a member of the All-Ireland winning Roscommon minor team of 1951, passed away recently in the United States, aged 92.
He passed away unexpectedly on February 10th last and was laid to rest in Cleveland where he lived for the majority of his life.
The St. Brigid's player lined out at half-forward for Roscommon in the 1951 All-Ireland minor final, scoring a point in their victory against Armagh in Croke Park.
Born on October 21st, 1933, in Atteagh, Brideswell in South Roscommon, Mr O'Brien was raised on a farm alongside his siblings Hubert, Mae, Ann, and Meave. He preferred sport to school and excelled on the handball court and football field. Even though a noted Gaelic footballer, athletics would remain a lifelong passion and defining pillar of his character.
In 1956, John emigrated to Montreal, where he met his beloved wife, Eileen (née Maguire). There he continued playing hurling and football and quickly assumed leadership roles within the Gaelic Athletic Association. After honeymooning in Niagara Falls and Cleveland, they fell in love with its Irish community, making it their permanent home and raising their children Noreen, Cathy, Patricia, and John Jr.
In Cleveland, John, a man of deep faith and a lifelong pioneer, became a pivotal figure in both sport and culture. He served as secretary of the North American County Board and helped St. Pat’s capture four senior football championships in the 1960s.
Over decades of service within the Gaelic Athletic Association in North America, including as USGAA Secretary and later honorary chairman, he was widely respected for his tireless dedication and quiet efficiency. Later he could often be found along the sidelines of matches watching with the pride of a seasoned player.
His love of sport extended beyond Gaelic games. In 1975, he founded the Winterhurst Broomhockey League, which grew to more than 40 teams. He served as player, referee, coach, and chairman, and continued running marathons well into his sixties; a testament to his belief that a healthy body was a gift meant to be used and cherished.
John worked professionally as an auditor for the United Transportation Union until retirement, but his true vocation was building community. His involvement with the West Side Irish American Club spanned decades and served as president for 28 years.
In the 1980s, John helped launch what would become the Cleveland Irish Cultural Festival, which grew to one of the premier Irish cultural celebrations in the United States. He loved Irish music deeply and worked tirelessly to support both local and native Irish musicians.
Though Cleveland became home, his heart never left his siblings in Ireland and he was a regular visitor to his home place in South Roscommon for many years.
Mr O’Brien was predeceased by his parents; his siblings Hubert and Mae; and his beloved daughter, Noreen.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Eileen (nee Maguire); his children, Cate O'Brien; Patricia Parente and John F. O'Brien, Jr; his family in Ireland including his sisters, Ann & Georgie and many loving nieces and nephews; his grandchildren; great grandchildren and a wide circle of friends and fellow Irish-Americans who will forever cherish his memory.
