In Celebration of the Life of Jack O’Brien

 

Jack O’Brien with Northern Irish First Minister Michelle O’Neill

Jack O’Brien, one of the IAUC’s longest-serving members and a relentless voice for kicking England out of Ireland, died at his home with his family by his side on December 12, 2024. Jack was one of the most influential Irish American activists in the past 50 years. He worked unceasingly to educate Americans about Irish American history and achievements, and to advocate for the unification of Ireland.

In his tireless efforts to advocate for Irish unity, freedom, and justice, Jack was hugely inspirational for all of us in the IAUC and beyond. His ability to work with Congress and his knowledge of the political process was crucial to American support of Irish issues. He constantly amazed others with his determination to achieve things that seemed unachievable. A notable example was his long campaign to rename a national park in Washington, DC for Robert Emmet, culminating in Congressional legislation in 2016 renaming National Park Service Reservation 302 as “Robert Emmet Park,” and the installation of a Wayside to commemorate Emmet.

Jack’s dedication left an indelible impression on everyone he knew. IAUC Past President Tom Burke said that “Jack was a bright light for IAUC and the cause of Ireland as a whole. He will be sorely missed.” IAUC Treasurer Kevin Barry remembered that “Jack was a stalwart defender of Irish freedom and he believed deeply in America’s role in achieving this goal.” Former IAUC Secretary Kathy Kelly noted that “Jack did things that would last to honor people and circumstances of the past, to inform the present, and to educate future generations.” Others recalled Jack as “a legend”, “a force for good,” and “a total encyclopedia of Irish politics.”

Jack’s contributions to the Irish-American community were immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire us all. Jack worked “under the radar,” never asking for personal recognition for his works, but as an Irish American activist and advocate, he had no equal. He will be sorely missed and his powerful legacy will continue to inspire us all.