Mark O’Brien
@obrienpmark
Executive / Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre, Ireland’s National Theatre. Like a bit of Theatre, Music, Books, Film, TV, Football, Hurling, Man Utd and a bit of whatever you’re having yourself. All views my own… I think.
The man I knew was an artist to his core, a deep connector, and carried Ballymun in his soul. I am deeply deeply shocked at his passing. My condolences to his wife Maire, his son Christy, his family, bandmates and friends #RIP #GlenHansard
Agus an ghrian ag dul faoi ar shéasúr eile, treoróidh na tinte cnámh na buaiteoirí abhaile go Caisleán an Bharraigh. Comhghairdeas @mayogaaoffical.bsky.social @officialgaa.bsky.social, na himreoirí agus an fhoireann bhainistíochta ar fad. Bainigí taitneamh as
This company brought so much joy to to audiences over the summer @abbeytheatre.bsky.social Raising a glass as they take their final bow tonight. Congrats Annie Ryan, Lennox Robinson, all the cast, creatives, staff & audiences. Sláinte do gach duine a chuir lúcháir ar ár gcroíthe. Ar aghaidh linn.
Rest in power Kevin Keegan. A superstar that went on superstars (which was an amazing childhood programme of mine) Even though he played for Liverpool he was one of my favourites back in the day. And anyone that stood up to Thatcher…
Viva España Tonight Spain will show that they are the best ‘team’ in the world. If they play the way they did against France, Argentina won’t be able for it.
An extraordinary actress An extraordinary person Codladh Sámh Brenda Fricker
“To take all the responsibility on themselves for losing is some type of perverse arrogance. England didn’t lose that match. Argentina won it.” Some words on the World Cup Semi-Final #Argentina v #england open.substack.com/pub/obrienpm...
Lesson in Grammar tonight for England. It’s not coming home They’re coming home
For the night that’s in it. What is not talked enough about this goal is the fact that Shilton is 6’ and Maradona 5’5” so how the hell did Maradona get his hand (not even arm fully outstretched) to the ball before Shilton. Fault lies with keeper, hand of god or not imho. #worldcup
Sam Neill was a brilliant actor and by all accounts a gentleman. His presence was a quality mark. So many great performances but he completely and utterly floored me in The Piano. Not many actors could have occupied that role with such truth, fire, control and uttter heartbreak. May he rest in power
80th min. Portugal break. Ball to Ronaldo on right of midfield. He had two breaking runners but didn’t pass the ball to them. If he had passed it to them he wouldn’t have been the one to score aa couldn’t have got there himself. Thats the problem with having #Ronaldo in your team
Today we said goodbye to the wonderful actor Des Nealon. Passed these flowers on the way from the church and was stopped by their beauty. We’re only here for a short time and we must keep reminding ourselves to stop and smell the flowers more
If Ronaldo stays in the team Portugal will struggle to get past the round of 32. If he was used as an impact sub when needed I could see them making the last 4. Madness. #worldcup
Maith thú go léir to these brilliant folk who gathered together to make magic and merriment for us all. Actors + Creatives + Abbey Theatre team = Joy. The Whiteheaded Boy by Lennox Robinson directed by Annie Ryan is running until 25 July. @abbeytheatre.bsky.social Tickets www.abbeytheatre.ie
Richard Gadd’s Half Man is visceral television. Heart of Darkness. The effects of trauma. Brutal love.
Incredible gig last night at the National Stadium by @sofiaisella.bsky.social What a talent.
Cannot wait. @blindboyboatclub.bsky.social @abbeytheatre.bsky.social World premiere of ANIMALS is coming soon. Don’t miss out on tickets. www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats-on/ani...
I’ve started a Substack, where i’ll post longer reads & you can sign up for free. So if you want to get even more of my musing you now have a place to go 🤣 Theatre, Music, some Fiction, Sport, Politics, Art and a bit of whatever you’re having yourself. open.substack.com/pub/obrienpm...
A few words on an urgent need for a strategic rethink about theatre. Irish context but global relevance substack.com/profile/2595...
Wrote these few words on the strange 25/26 Premier League season. Have a read see what you think. Welcome any all conversations on the beautiful (sometimes) game mrmobrien.wordpress.com/2026/05/24/s...
Rivalries aside. Mo Salah is a class act. Will be missed in the Premier League.
“Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride”. Congrats Michael Carrick Great day for the club #mufc
There is a present & critical need for enhanced support of the great communal art form of theatre, and of those who work tirelessly in the sector, this is as critical now to the development of our democracy as it was 100 years ago "Is there anyone left, Mrs Clitheroe, with a tither o' sense?" /end
Delighered to be at @thestage.co.uk Future of Theatre conference at @sohotheatre.bsky.social Walthamstow on behalf of @abbeytheatre.bsky.social Really interesting programme of keynotes and panels ahead #futureoftheatre
Just finished this on audiobook. Brilliant debut novel. Floored me. @florenceknapp.bsky.social
Codladh Sámh Moya Brennan Your voice straight from the Donegal air, like mist coming down from the mountains, will remain with us forever. This from Late Late Show @rte.ie @latelateshow.rte.ie in 1990 captures the essence of the stillness you could bring. Go raibh maith agat as bronntanas do shaoil
