| Mary Ann O'Brien | |
|---|---|
 O'Brien in 2011 | |
| Senator | |
| In office 25 May 2011 – 8 June 2016 | |
| Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1960-09-08) 8 September 1960 (age 64) County Waterford, Ireland |
| Political party | Renua (March 2015–2016) |
| Other political affiliations | Independent |
| Spouse |
Jonathan Irwin
(m. 1991; died 2023) |
| Children | 5 (including 2 deceased) |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Vincent O'Brien (uncle) |
Mary Ann O'Brien (born 8 September 1960) is an Irish businesswoman and former politician. She is the founder and chairman of Lily O'Brien's Chocolates and in 1997, she founded the Jack and Jill Foundation with her husband Jonathan Irwin, to provide home health care to severely sick babies. It was set up as a direct response to their experience of caring at home for their son Jack, born with severe brain damage in 1996.
O'Brien's family background is in horse racing - her father Phonsie O'Brien and uncle Vincent O'Brien were both notable racehorse trainers.
In May 2011, she was nominated by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the 24th Seanad.
At the launch of Renua in March 2015, O'Brien was announced as a party candidate. O'Brien clarified that she would remain independent while a Senator and join Renua to stand at the 2016 general election. However, O'Brien did not contest the 2016 general election.
References
- ^ Smith, Andrea (12 June 2013). "'I'd pretend it was all fine at work, then go home and start sobbing with stress'". Herald.ie. Archived from the original on 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- "Mary Ann O'Brien". Oireachtas Members Database. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- "About us". Lily O'Brien's. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- Edwards, Elaine (20 May 2011). "McAleese appointed to Seanad". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- "Mary Ann O'Brien". ElectionsIreland.org. Archived from the original on 18 October 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011.
- O'Connell, Hugh (13 March 2015). "Here's everything we know about Renua Ireland (and its policies)". TheJournal.ie. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- "Kildare Senator To Join Renua Ireland". Kfm. 14 March 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 21 May 2015.
- 1960 births
- Living people
- Independent members of Seanad Éireann
- Politicians from County Waterford
- 20th-century Irish businesswomen
- 20th-century Irish businesspeople
- Members of the 24th Seanad
- 21st-century women members of Seanad Éireann
- Renua politicians
- Nominated members of Seanad Éireann
- 21st-century Irish businesswomen
- 21st-century Irish businesspeople