Irish America, and Irish freedom, has lost a quiet giant with the passing of John (“Jack”) O’Brien. Jack died at his home with his family by his side on December 12. Jack was one of the most influential Irish American activists in the past 50 years. He never cared for publicity or fame. He just did the Lord’s work for Ireland and let others take credit for his accomplishments.
Jack’s activism was manifested by his dual memberships in the Irish American Unity Conference and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. With the support of these organizations, he worked tirelessly, and endlessly, to educate Americans about Irish American history and achievements, and to advocate for the unification of Ireland. Jack was also a strong supporter of the Fenian Memorial Committee of America. He loved Ireland and he loved America and his life’s work was dedicated to advancing the best of both countries.
Jack’s achievements were truly and literally monumental. Together with his close friend John McEnerney, he was primarily responsible for the construction and dedication of the Barry Gate at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in honor of John Barry, a native of County Wexford and the first Commodore of the US Navy. He and John worked tirelessly against steep odds – financial, systemic, and bureaucratic – to convince authorities to embrace the idea and to encourage people to contribute to its costs. The result is a magnificent edifice that will forever stand as a testament to Jack’s dedication.
One of his proudest achievements was the naming of Robert Emmet Park in Washington, DC, and the installation of a National Park Service Wayside marker describing Emmet’s contribution to Irish freedom. Jack led a team of fellow activists from the IAUC and AOH in working with the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Park Service to secure Congressional legislation naming a small park in the center of Washington in honor of Emmet, the transcendent Irish patriot and martyr. Jack always joked that it was proper that Emmet’s statue faced the Irish Embassy with its backside to the British Embassy.
Jack’s first major project was the commemoration of the Irish Brigade at Antietam National Battlefield. Working with the National Park Service and colleagues with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, his efforts were instrumental in the installation of the Irish Brigade Monument which was dedicated in 1997. His efforts also led to refurbishment of several monuments at Gettysburg National Battlefield. More recently, he assisted in this year’s rededication of the Nuns of the Battlefield monument in Washington, DC.
In this writer’s opinion, however, Jack’s most significant work lay in his tireless efforts to advocate for Irish unity, freedom, and justice. He was truly inspirational in his ability to work with Congress and in his knowledge of the political process so crucial to American support of Irish issues.
He was always enthused about educating people to the cause of Ireland and the ways in which Congress works. On a personal note, he was a mentor and stalwart to this writer in encouraging and supporting my own efforts on behalf of Irish unity and justice. We enjoyed many brainstorming sessions with other activists, congressional staff, and the occasional congressional representative over Irish whiskey at the Dubliner pub in Washington.
Underlying all of Jack’s achievements was his infectious personality and humor, which opened many doors for him and allowed him to work easily with others and to achieve things that seemed unachievable. He worked “under the radar” but as an Irish American activist and advocate, he had no equal.
May Jack O’Brien rest in peace, and may the unification of Ireland be a final and lasting testament to his life’s work. And may God bless Jack O’Brien.
The writer is National President of the Irish American Unity Conference and a member of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Protection of the Good Friday Agreement.
