Famous O'Briens in History
| WILLIAM O'BRIEN - (1881-1968) Trade Union Pioneer |
| Born near Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Came to Dublin at fifteen; joined the Irish Socialist Republican Party in 1898 and became close friend and colleague of Connolly. Actively associated with Larkin in organising workers; helped to establish ITGWU, 1909. Secretary of lock-out committee that arranged return of Connally from America in 1910. Deported and interned in Frongoch and Reading after 1916 Rising. Took prominent part in fight against conscription of 1918. Deported to Wormwood Scrubs in 1920; released after hunger strike. TD for Dublin South City 1922-23; for Tipperary, June-August 1927 and 1937-38. Full -time trade union official with ITGWU from 1909 and general secretary for twenty-two years until his retirement. President, Trade Union Congress, 1913, 1918, 1925, and 1941. Died 30 October 1968 in convalescent home in Bray, Co. Wicklow. |
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