Thomas O’Brien passed away peacefully on 7th February. He will be sadly missed by his fellow residents and staff in St. Ciaran’s unit. The Board, Management and staff of Peamount Healthcare would like to express our deep condolences to his sons Joseph, Thomas Jnr and Patrick, his extended family and many friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Thomas O’Brien, from Kilteel, Co. Kildare celebrated his 100th birthday on 26th November in St. Ciaran’s Older Person’s Residential Unit. Thomas lived in Kilteel his entire life until he suffered a stroke in January last year which led him to be admitted to Naas General Hospital and later transferred to Peamount Healthcare.
Thomas’ life spans the history of the nation. He recalls talk of World War 1 and the Easter Rising as a child, while he himself witnessed the burning of the Custom House in 1921 during the War of Independence when on a visit to Dublin with his father. Thomas’ family believe the cold weather of January 2010 brought on the stroke but Thomas himself remembers harsher winters in ’62 and ’63 and most especially 1947 which was “real real bad”. A sheep and cattle farmer, Thomas has enjoyed working outdoors all his life and perhaps this is what kept him in such good health for so long. Thomas is very happy with the care and attention he receives there. His son, also Thomas, says “he couldn’t be in a better place”. Thomas was delighted to receive today a letter and cheque from the new President, Michael D. Higgins. Thomas celebrated his birthday with his 3 sons Thomas, Patrick and Joseph, relations, friends and Staff of Peamount Healthcare’s St. Ciaran’s unit. With Peamount Healthcare’s Centenary year just around the corner you can be sure that this very special 100 year old resident will feature prominently in the Service’s celebrations.