Publisher Michael O'Brien dies, aged 81

Michael O’Brien, the co-founder of award-winning independent Irish publisher The O’Brien Press, has died unexpectedly at the age of 81.

His death, which occurred on 31st July, was announced by his son Ivan, m.d. of The O’Brien Press.

Ivan O’Brien said: "For someone so utterly involved in so many organisations and groups, as well as family and our company, to be pulled so quickly away from us is shocking. His bravery and willingness to take real risks and follow his instincts was always so impressive. He built a fantastic team of creative and highly-skilled people at O’Brien Press – predominantly women from its earliest beginnings – which was a testament to his unwavering belief that talent will deliver.

"Michael believed in telling great stories, in equality and tolerance and in Ireland’s place in the world. He challenged everything, but also built so many things and committed his time and energy to national and international organisations because it was the right thing to do. We will take this legacy and do our best to maintain and build on it."

A hugely well-known and influential figure in Irish books and publishing, O’Brien established the press in 1974 with his father Thomas. It evolved out of a family-run printing house, publishing its first book, Me Jewell and Darlin’ Dublin by Éamonn MacThomáis, in the year it launched.

It was the first company to publish author Eoin Colfer, best known for his YA Artemis Fowl series. To date, the press has published more than 2,000 books in its 45-year history, and has a reputation for promoting Irish authors including  Máire Mhac an tSaoi and Frank McGuinness.

Under O’Brien’s leadership, the press won many awards including the Reading Association of Ireland Special Merit Award in 1997, while O’Brien himself won a Children’s Books Ireland award for services to children’s literature in 2006.

Bob Johnston, owner of Dublin bookshop Gutter Books, tweeted on hearing the news: "Very sad to hear of the death of publisher Michael O’Brien of The O’Brien Press yesterday. He was a big supporter of Irish authors and publishing and the whole book industry in Ireland. Our thoughts are with Ivan O’Brien and all his family, and with everyone at O’Brien Press."

Audrey Keane, literature manager at the Arts Council, said: "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. We send our deepest condolences to his friends and family and all at The O’Brien Press."