'He helped shape a generation,' tributes paid after sudden death of retired Tipp principal

"He helped shape a generation," said one mourner as tributes are being paid following the sudden death of a retired Tipperary principal.

Seamus O'Brien of Clonattin, Gorey, Wexford and Toomevara, Tipperary passed away suddenly at home on July 4, 2024.

Seamus was a retired principal of Monaseed National School.

He was the son of the late Tom and Delia, beloved husband of Anne Marie, adored father of Michael, Seán and Muireann, cherished brother of Anne, Kathy, Maggie, Dilly, Terence, Paddy, John and the late Tommy.

Very sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughter, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother-in-law Elizabeth, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours, colleagues and many friends.

Reposing at Murphy's Funeral Home, The Avenue, Gorey (Eircode Y25 K122) on Sunday, July 7, from 4pm concluding at 7pm.

Funeral arriving to St Patrick's Church, Monaseed, on Monday, July 8, for Funeral Mass at 11am followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery.

For those who cannot attend, the Mass can be viewed on the following link https://www.youtube.com/live/jj7yFbhYiMM?feature=shared

The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to the gardaí and the emergency services for all their help, it is very much appreciated.

Family flowers only, please.

People have been offering their condolences on rip.ie: 

Sincere sympathy Anne Marie, Muireann, Michael & Sean. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Seamus had a huge impact on so many young lives, through education and sport. He helped shape a generation, may he rest in peace.

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Heartfelt sympathy to Anne Marie, Michael, Seán and Muireann on the untimely death of Seamus, a beloved husband and father. May he rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to Anne Marie, Michael, Seán and Muireann and to all the O' Brien family. There are no words to express how sorry we are for your loss. We were all deeply saddened upon hearing the news. Seamus was a gentleman, an excellent principal and a friend to us all. Keeping you all in our prayers during this difficult time. May Seamus rest in peace.

Our deepest condolences to Annmarie, Michael, Sean & Muireann and all of Seamus’s family and friends. Seamus was a gentleman in every sense of the word and his love for hurling immeasurable. Thinking of you all in the days, weeks and months to come. Rest in peace Seamus

Sincere condolences on the sad passing of Mr O Brien he was a great man and very well respected in Rathnew and will be fondly remembered from his years at St Ernans. May He RIP

Our heartfelt sympathies to Anne Marie, Michael, Sean and Muireann on the loss of your wonderful husband and dad. Seamus was one of a kind, we have great memories of all the good times with him at all the matches over the years. Rest easy Seamus, you will be missed. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

Comhbhrón ó chroí oraibh as bás Mr O'Brien. Since his arrival in January 2004 Séamus fostered a culture of confidence in his students, encouraging a love of sports, Maths and general knowledge, with a particular grá for the Hurling Rackard League. His legacy continues in Monaseed NS with the annual Monaseed Hurling League being a highlight of their time in the school for many 6th class pupils. Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís.

Glac ár gcomhbhrón le do thoil as chailliúint Séamus. His contributions to our school over the 17 years he served as principal have left a lasting, positive impact on our community. His knowledge of each pupil, their interests and their families was second to none and could still be seen when he visited after retirement, as he checked in with the pupils to see how they and their older siblings and cousins were doing. It was an honour to work along side someone with such a genuine interest in our pupils and parish. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.