Mary Ann O'Brien
Irish businesswoman and former politician (born 1960)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mary Ann O'Brien (born 8 September 1960) is an Irish businesswoman and former politician.[2] She is the founder and chairman of Lily O'Brien's Chocolates[3] 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.
affiliations
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 | 8 September 1960 County Waterford, Ireland |
| Party | Renua (March 2015–2016) |
Other political affiliations | Independent |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 5 (including 2 deceased)[1] |
| Parent |
|
| Relatives | Vincent O'Brien (uncle) |
O'Brien's family background is in horse racing - her father Phonsie O'Brien and uncle Vincent O'Brien were both notable racehorse trainers.[1]
In May 2011, she was nominated by the Taoiseach Enda Kenny to the 24th Seanad.[4][5]
At the launch of Renua in March 2015, O'Brien was announced as a party candidate.[6] O'Brien clarified that she would remain independent while a Senator and join Renua to stand at the 2016 general election.[7] However, O'Brien did not contest the 2016 general election.