MICHAEL O’BRIEN, founder of Irish publishing house O’Brien Press, has died.
Best known for his role in the publishing industry, he founded the business along with his father Thomas in 1974.
Michael’s son Ivan, the press’ Managing Director, said his family is in shock following his death.
In a statement this afternoon, President Michael D Higgins said news of Michael’s death will “have been received with great sadness by all of those who love books, writing and the world of publishing”.
“Michael O’Brien was a pioneering, brave and encouraging publisher. His work alone in relation to the publication of children’s books was a significant contribution,” the statement said.
“He understood the great challenges that were there to the intrusion of the market in the world of publishing. I recall meeting him as with others as Representative of Irish Publishers in relation to the fixed price of the book and the importance of the cultural exception.”
President Higgins said Michael had a deep love of Dublin and its people “which was reflected in his publication choices”.
“He was rightly proud of the tradition that he and his father shared. Tom O’Brien, his father, whose life is described in Strong Words, Brave Deeds, was one of those who went from Ireland to fight for the Spanish Republic as part of the International Brigade,” he said.
There are many writers whose talent was first recognised by Michael O’Brien, not only those but all those interested in the world of literature will recall as I do his warmth, kindness and encouragement. At our last meeting, when he visited the Áras, we discussed the 1930s.
“He will be missed by so many. Sabina joins with me in sending our deep condolences to Michael’s wife Svetlana, his children Ivan, Eoin, Dara and Ferdia, his grandchildren and his wider family and his many, many friends.”
Arts and Culture Minister Catherine Martin said Michael’s legacy “will be forever felt in Ireland’s literary landscape”.
I'm sorry to hear Michael O'Brien has passed away@OBrienPress, which he established, published some of our best authors including Marita Conlon-McKenna & @EoinColfer
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) August 2, 2022
Michael's legacy will be forever felt in Ireland's literary landscape. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/Vtmtk6QKHS pic.twitter.com/5wjyUAqQmc
The Arts Council’s Literature Manager Audrey Keane paid tribute to Michael’s work, saying that “Michael O’Brien had a highly distinguished career in Irish publishing”.
“He worked tirelessly and with unswerving dedication and commitment and his influence in the area of Irish publishing for children in particular leaves a lasting legacy,” she said.
“We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family and all at The O’Brien Press”.
The Gutter Bookshop in Dublin has also paid tribute, describing Michael as a “big supporter of Irish authors and publishing and the whole book industry in Ireland”.
O’Brien Press launched its first publication in November 1974, a book called Me Jewel and Darlin’ Dublin by Éamonn MacThomáis.
Since then, it has specialised in children’s fiction and non-fiction for adults and children, as well as some adult novels.
Its published authors include Des Lavelle, Brendan Behan, Siobhán Parkinson, Eoin Colfer, Paul Howard and Judi Curtin, as well as Marita Conlon-McKenna for her famous Under The Hawthorne Tree trilogy.
Michael is survived by his wife Svetlana, his four children and six grandchildren, as well as his three sisters, two brothers and extended family.
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