The local community was devastated and shocked when news broke on Friday evening of the untimely tragic death of the very popular Diarmuid O’Brien following a traffic accident in Washington D.C..

Diarmuid, like all of his family, was a very staunch and loyal servent of Newmarket GAA Club, both on and off the field of play. He won a Duhallow Under 21 football medal in 1998 but gave most of his time to the game of hurling. He lined out most often as goalkeeper in the junior hurling side, with his most recent championship appearance being against Meelin in 2005, lining out alongside his brothers Pa and Denys.

For the past three years and right up to the time he left to take up employment in America, he served as a selector on both the minor football and hurling teams of the club. During those three years these sides won an array of trophies including minor B and C divisional hurling league and championships, 3 Duhallow A football championships, 2 Duhallow A football leagues and most notably a County Minor A football league title in 2005, for the first time in the clubs history when Newmarket defeated Canovee in the final.

Diarmuid was extremely popular with the young players he served over in recent years and was a great character within the club. His enthusiasm and passion for the club was refreshing and he had a positive impact on those around him.

To the O’Brien’s, Pat, Kate, Denys, Bridget, Pa, Marie and all of the family we extend our deepest sympathies on your devastating loss. As a mark of respect to Diarmuid and his family, all club activities were cancelled. He will be sorely missed by all. Ar a dheis De go raibh a anam.