Young dad was inspirational for wife and children
A MAN who died before his third son was born will always be an inspiration to all his children, his widow has said.
Michelle O’Brien was speaking to the Donegal News before she today (Thursday) leads supporters in a memorial walk for her late husband Damien.
Donegal dad Damien was only 35 when he was hit by a car as he walked home in California last summer – just two months before his third child was born.
Michelle gave birth to baby boy Jack last September and has now moved home to Glenfin, near Lifford, with hers and Damien’s three sons: Luke, Oscar, and baby Jack.
She said: “Jack is now 10 months old. Damien was just so inspirational.
“When young fellas would arrive from Ireland, he would look after them. Damien was always getting phone calls to help someone.
“He wanted to live by example and that’s what he did for our three boys.”
Damien O’Brien widow Michelle with their three children.
She explained: “Damien was tragically killed last July while we were living in California. Since then, myself and our three young boys have returned home to Glenfin.”
Tonight, hundreds are due to gather at Glenfin Hall for the Damien O’Brien Memorial 5K in aid of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Michelle said: “This will not be a yearly event. Damien had a saying, ‘Do it once and do it well’. So, we are going to do this once and we are going to do it well.”
The late Damien O’Brien with wife Michelle and boys Luke and Oscar.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was set up in 2013 to provide financial assistance to families seeking to repatriate the remains of loved ones to Ireland.
It was founded by Colin and Eithne Bell, from Newry in Co Down, after their 26-year-old son Kevin tragically died in New York.
Michelle said: “I want to emphasise the work of the charity. It has helped 82 families from Donegal.
“We are remembering Damien, but it is also to raise funds to help the next family when that phone call comes at a time when your life is falling apart.
“This event is our way of celebrating and honouring the wonderful person Damien was, while also raising awareness and much-needed funds for the charity that brought him home to us last summer.
“Kevin Bell’s parents are coming for the walk. Their support means a lot.”
Damien O’Brien memorial walk poster
She added: “The response has been outstanding. Damien helped to found our Wild Geese [GAA] club in California, Orange County, when we moved there in 2013.
“The club organised a tournament in Damien’s memory and designed special jerseys for it.
“The jerseys that I am wearing with our children are the only ones with No10, which was Damien’s number. The club has retired the number.
“The photo was taken on the doorstep of our home in California. The colour of the jersey was based on a Donegal training jersey.
“The image of Damien with a cup was after the club won the West Coast Cup.
“We would be very happy to see anyone wearing one of the jerseys on the walk [tonight]. People are coming from all over for it, from as far as California and Australia.”
Tragically killed Damien O’Brien loved playing Gaelic football.
All proceeds from the Damien O’Brien Memorial 5K will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
A spokesperson for the walk states: “Damien never stood still – and neither will his legacy. We come together to run, walk, remember, and celebrate an incredible man.
“All proceeds will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, helping families bring their loved ones home – a cause close to our hearts.
“Whether you run, walk, or simply come to support, your presence means everything. Let’s show up for Damien the way he always showed up for others.”
People can pre-register or donate online or sign up on the day from 6pm.
Adults pay €15 and children €5 on the Damien O’Brien Memorial 5K page of the njuko.com website or by scanning the QR code on the poster.
Damien O’Brien anniversary Mass
Damien’s first anniversary Mass will be held tomorrow (Friday, July 10) in Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Glenfin.
In a family notice for Damien’s anniversary on Monday past, their deepest thanks were expressed for everyone who has supported them during this last very difficult year.
It stated: “We are forever grateful. Your presence was a true comfort and a testament to the love and respect Damien inspired throughout his life.”