The passing of Des O'Brien (of Dublin, late of Kilcullen)

Des O'Brien, formally of Kilcullen, died in Dublin on 3 April 2014, writes Jim Collins. His family had a shop for many years at Hillside. He is pictured above in 2007 on the bridge (third from left) beside the late Nicky Myers, with Jim Collins, Ray Donoghue, Brendan O'Connell, and Donal St Leger after a walk along the river recalling old memories.

Des was a prominent player on the Kilcullen GAA teams. He also boxed for Kilcullen Boxing Club, and as result of his early years playing handball in the Kilcullen Alley, he went on to play competive handball all his life as a member of Croke Park Handball Club.

After qualifying as an accountant in the early 60s, Des went on to management of Tayto Foods Ltd. Then for over 20 years he was MD of Punch and Co, the group of companies based in Cork, Dublin and England.

He always kept in touch with local news and people from Kilcullen. He read the Leinster Leader every week, and on numerous occasions placed Kilcullen young people in jobs in his various companies. He always followed up on their successful careers with great interest.