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.
Mary Ann O'Brien
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O'Brien in 2011
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Senator | |
In office May 2011 – April 2016 | |
Constituency | Nominated by the Taoiseach |
Personal details | |
Born | (1960-09-08) 8 September 1960 (age 63) County Waterford, Ireland |
Political party | Renua Ireland (since March 2015) |
Other political affiliations | Independent |
Spouse |
(m. 1991; died 2023) |
Children | 5 (including 2 deceased)[1] |
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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.