Sign in

Mark O’Brien

@obrienpmark.bsky.social
1.7K followers 215 following 763 posts

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.

PostsRepliesMedia
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Happy 50th Birthday U2 Saw you live first time 41 years ago. Lifetime memories. Onwards
131
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
What a goal tonight from Stephen Walsh for Galway tonight against Bohs. @galwayunitedfc.bsky.social
031
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Well now that’s some entrance to La Liga. Come on as a sub and score the winner against Real Madrid. Viva Troy Parrott. @realbetisen.bsky.social
170
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
If you haven’t watched Furious then I would advise you to do so immediately. Top notch all round but the performances from Lola Petticrew and Emmy Rossum are out of this world. These are at the level of De Niro and Pacino in the 70’s.Shades of Taxi Driver, Serpico and more here. Blistering
151
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Never believe that there isn’t enough love, beauty and joy in the world to go around. It just needs to be actively and defiantly cultivated. It multiplies when shared & lives in song and story. Cynicism can never win, our shared culture won’t let it happen. This is beautiful
072
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
"When I'm done, I can rest in peace knowing I've done my best. I hope that when my time comes, I'll leave something behind that others can use to lift themselves up." Rest in Music Dolly Parton
0204
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Album of the day for all us United fans #mufc
021
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
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
061
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
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
031
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
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.
1111
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
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…
080
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
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.
010
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
An extraordinary actress An extraordinary person Codladh Sámh Brenda Fricker
060
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
“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...
010
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Lesson in Grammar tonight for England. It’s not coming home They’re coming home
250
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
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
010
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
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
090
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
‘Tis very very warm in London
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
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
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
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
060
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
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
220
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
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
052
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
What a win and what a way to do it
021
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
Richard Gadd’s Half Man is visceral television. Heart of Darkness. The effects of trauma. Brutal love.
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Incredible gig last night at the National Stadium by @sofiaisella.bsky.social What a talent.
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
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...
050
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
A special talent. What they have been through as a family and yet he has turned grief into an energy and inspires his team to love and passion. Congrats Luis Enrique #PSG #UCL
110
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
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...
060
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
A few words on an urgent need for a strategic rethink about theatre. Irish context but global relevance substack.com/profile/2595...
020
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
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...
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
Rivalries aside. Mo Salah is a class act. Will be missed in the Premier League.
020
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
“Carrying the responsibility of leading our special football club fills me with immense pride”. Congrats Michael Carrick Great day for the club #mufc
020
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Congratulations to Arsenal on winning the Premier League
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
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
191
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
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
011
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Just finished this on audiobook. Brilliant debut novel. Floored me. @florenceknapp.bsky.social
020
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
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
0121
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
The moment before you become a legend. Two in a row #themasters Congrats Rory McIlroy
51318
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Bray
140
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
The Belfast Ensemble’s musical ‘Group’ at the Lyric Belfast this afternoon was absolutely superb. Conor Mitchell and co. knocked it out of the park again on so many levels. Kudos all involved.
032
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
Today is the @athleticsireland.bsky.social Juvenile nationals
000
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Last night’s special centenary event for the Plough & the Stars @abbeytheatre.bsky.social will take me the rest of my life to absorb. The power & community of theatre sang from the past to the blistering present. Maith thú gach duine a rinne seo tarlú 📸 Leon Farrell #worldtheatreday
393
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Such a sad loss. The face of the GAA on @rte.ie Host of so many magical summers. Consummate professional. Michael Lyster holds a major place in our culture. May he rest in peace.
030
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Having a great run with books lately. Really enjoyed this by @elockhartbooks.bsky.social
010
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Am just hearing about the passing of Dolores Keane. Such a loss. An incredible singer. Her legacy will live on in our hearts forever. Condolences to her family and friends.
192
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
JESSE ⭐️❤️🙌
080
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Go raibh míle maith agat Congrats Richard Baneham #Oscars2026
093
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
It’s Oscar’s night and the talent nominated from Ireland is spread across all the art forms in Cinema. A night to be proud of the artists and makers of Ireland. A night to mark what can happen with a move towards proper investment and structure. Congrats all @screenireland.bsky.social
3263
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Delighted to be in Milan tonight as guest of the Irish Consulate at a reception to mark Ireland week. Also got to see @abbeytheatre.bsky.social co-production of Mirandolina play to a packed house at the end of its Italian/Croatian tour before it comes to Dublin in August.
172
Mark O’Brien @obrienpmark.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Happy International Women’s Day
23713