Michael O'Brien passes away See http://www.rip.ie/death_notices_detail.asp?NoticeID=151700 for funeral arrangements and below The death has occurred of Michael O'BRIEN of Beech Court House, Newlands, Naas, Kildare Reposing at his residence on Monday with removal from there on Tuesday morning at 9.30am to arrive at St. Peter's Parish Church, Two-Mile-House, for 10am Requiem Mass. Cremation follows immediately afterwards at Newlands Cross Crematorium. Family flowers only, please. Donations, if desired, to St. Brigid's Hospice, The Curragh. Donation box in Church. Former top jump trainer Michael O'Brien passed away today, aged 68, after a long battle with illness. O'Brien had handed over the reins to his son-in-law Denis Cullen two years ago after a glittering career. O'Brien trained three Irish Grand National winners with King Spruce (1982), Vanton (1992) and Glebe Lad (1999). He also handled Bright Highway to win both the Mackeson and Hennessy Gold Cups in 1980. Shawiya (1993 Triumph Hurdle) and Kadoun (2006 Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle) gave him Cheltenham wins while other high profile horses include Knife Edge, Chorelli, Tacroy, Forget The Past, Shaihar, In Compliance and Essex. O'Brien was confined to a wheelchair when he suffered a serious spinal injury after a fall in Carolina Cup, in the US, in March 1974.
