Abuse survivor and former mayor of Clonmel Michael O'Brien dies
Michael O'Brien became known nationally in 2009 following an appearance on RTÉ's Questions and Answers in the wake of the publication of the Ryan report into clerical abuse. Picture: RTÉ
The former mayor of Clonmel and clerical abuse survivor Michael O'Brien, whose harrowing story became one of the most compelling moments ever captured on Irish television, has died.
Mr O'Brien died on Tuesday at his daughter Geraldine's home.
Mr O'Brien became known nationally in 2009 following an appearance on RTÉ's 'Questions and Answers' in the wake of the publication of the Ryan report into clerical abuse.
There, he described, in graphic detail, the abuse he faced as a child at a Catholic-run industrial school, shocking the country.
He was particularly scathing of then transport minister Noel Dempsey about the way the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse had treated survivors of the industrial schools, pointing out that the allegedly non-adversarial process had involved him being accused of lying. He said:
"You don’t know what happened there.”
During the speech, he also addressed panel member Leo Varadkar, saying: "Can I speak to you and ask your leader to stop making a political football out of this. You hurt us when you do that. You tear the shreds from inside our body. For God’s sake, try and give us some peace, try and give us some peace, and not continue hurting us."
Mr O'Brien's remains will repose at Fennessy's Funeral Home this Wednesday evening from 5pm to 7pm with removal on Thursday morning to St Mary's Church, Irishtown, at 10am.
