Robin O'Brien

Robin O'Brien (20 November 1932 – 26 August 1959) was an Irish first-class cricketer.

Robin O'Brien
Personal information
Full nameRobin O'Brien
Born20 November 1932
Shillong, Assam, British India
Died29 August 1959(1959-08-29) (aged 26)
Biddenden, Kent, England
BattingRight-handed
BowlingRight-arm off break
Domestic team information
YearsTeam
1954–1956Cambridge University
1954–1958Ireland
1958Marylebone Cricket Club
Career statistics
Competition First-class
Matches 40
Runs scored 1,609
Batting average 22.66
100s/50s 2/5
Top score 146
Balls bowled 6
Wickets 0
Bowling average –
5 wickets in innings –
10 wickets in match –
Best bowling –
Catches/stumpings 10/–
Source: Cricinfo, 21 October 2018

O'Brien was born at Shillong in British India to Brigadier Brian Palliser O'Brien and Elinor Laura O'Brien.[1] He was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire, where he played for the cricket eleven from 1948–1952.[1] Upon completing his studies, he went up to the University of Cambridge, where he studied economics before switching to law.[1]

While studying at Cambridge, he made his debut in first-class cricket for Cambridge University Cricket Club against Lancashire at Fenner's in 1954.[2] He played six first-class matches for Cambridge University in 1954, in addition to making his debut for Ireland in first-class matches, when he played against Scotland at Paisley.[2] O'Brien played first-class cricket for Cambridge University until 1956, making a total of 35 appearances.[2] Across his 35 first-class matches for the university, O'Brien scored 1,418 runs at an average of 22.87.[3]

His most prolific season was in 1956, when he scored 796 runs, second only to Ted Dexter.[1] He also scored both of his first-class centuries in this season,[4] with 107 against Lancashire and 146 against Oxford University.[5] In addition to his 35 first-class matches for Cambridge University, O'Brien also played four for Ireland to 1958,[2] scoring 164 runs and registering one half century.[3] He also made one first-class appearance for the Marylebone Cricket Club against Cambridge University in 1958.[2] He gained his cricket blue in 1955, also winning blues in field hockey and golf.[1] O'Brien undertook his National Service with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps while at Cambridge, serving with the rank of Second Lieutenant.[6]

He left Cambridge without achieving a degree, but nonetheless was employed in the city by Henry Gardner and Co Ltd.[1] O'Brien fell ill in 1959 and was diagnosed with leukemia.[1] Despite having surgery he succumbed to the disease in August 1959.[7][1] His brother is the theatre designer Timothy O'Brien.[1][8]

References
  1. "Player profile: Robin O'Brien". CricketEurope. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  2. "First-Class Matches played by Robin O'Brien". CricketArchive. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  3. "First-class Batting and Fielding For Each Team by Robin O'Brien". CricketArchive. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  4. "First-class Batting and Fielding in Each Season by Robin O'Brien". CricketArchive. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  5. "First-class Batting and Fielding Against Each Opponent by Robin O'Brien". CricketArchive. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  6. "No. 40601". The London Gazette. 4 October 1955. p. 5623.
  7. "Wisden - Obituaries in 1959". ESPNcricinfo. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
  8. "Timothy O'Brien Biography (1929-)". www.filmreference.com. Retrieved 21 October 2018.
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