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Conor O'Brien

Dromoland

Ireland

Profile Information:

About Me:: CONOR MYLES JOHN O’BRIEN

The O’Brien, (Prince of Thomond,) The 18th Baron Inchiquin, 10th Baronet of Leamaneh.

Conor, Myles, John, O’Brien born in Surrey, England on 17th July 1943, the son of the youngest son of 15th Baron Inchiquin, The Hon. Fionn, Myles, Maryons, O’Brien who married Josephine Bembaron in 1939. He has one sister, Fiona, who is married to Romano Obert de Thieusies. He became Chief and Peer on the death of his uncle Phaedrig, the 17th Baron on 20th May 1982. He lives on Dromoland Estate in Thomond House, which is next to Dromoland Castle. Dromoland Castle was the home of the O’Briens until 1962, when Donough 16th Baron sold it to Bernard McDonough , who turned it into a luxury 5 star hotel, in 1963.

Conor was educated in England at Eton College, served in the British Army, 14th / 20th King’s Hussars in the Middle East, Far East and Europe from 1962 to 1975. He has lived and worked most of his life abroad, with 10 years spent in the Far East, Hong Kong and Singapore, running his own trading company for seven years, finally in Financial Services in Hong Kong before returning to live in Ireland in 1982. In 1988 he married Helen Farrell of Newtown Forbes, County Longford. They have two daughters, The Hon. Slaney O’Brien, born 1989 and The Hon. Lucia O’Brien born 1991.

The family run an exclusive guest house in their home Thomond House at Dromoland, as well as having turned Dromoland Estate into a major sporting and leisure centre. Activities include, driven pheasant shooting, stalking, fishing, horse riding, eventing, hunter trials, clay pigeon shooting, off road driving, archery and other activities.

Conor O’Brien as Ex- Chairman of “The Standing Council of Irish Chiefs and Chieftains” is another Chief who believes there is a place for him in modern Irish life. He says, “with the tremendous interest in roots and Clans, the Irish Chiefs have a major role that they can play in the Gaelic and cultural heritage of Ireland and in helping the state authorities in the promotion of tourism through the medium of the Clan Associations and Clan Gatherings as well as ensuring that the country recognise the importance of the link between the old Gaelic culture and our modern day Republican culture.

Conor was responsible for the formation of the O’Brien Clan Association and the First Clan Gathering for 400 years in 1992. He has formed “The O’Brien Clan Foundation” worldwide and this was launched in the USA on 17th March 1998. The last Clan gathering was held in Ireland in 2002, to commemorate the 1000th Anniversary of the accession of Brian Boru to the throne of Ireland.The next Gathering will be the 2014 Battle of Clontarf Millenium and the death of Brian Boru, his ancestor.

His interests are in securing Dromoland Estate for the next generation, history, trees and wildlife as well as travel, skiing, shooting, motor racing and motor cars. He is a member of the Kildare and University Club in Dublin.
What car(s) do you own?: 1961 Aston Martin DB4 Lightweight 4500cc - Sold Oct 2012
1966 Morris Mini Cooper S 1380cc
1963 Jaguar E Type 3781cc FIA Semi Lightweight.
What do you like to do (e.g. vintage race with...)?: Race with:
Heritage GTCC
AMOC
The Masters
HRCA Ireland
HSSC
What clubs do you belong to?: GRRC - Goodwood Road Racing Club
AMOC - Aston Martin Owners Club
HGTCC - Heritage Grand Touring Car Challenge
HRCA - Historic Racing Car Association
The Masters Series
MEC - Motor Enthusiasts Club
JDC - Jaguar Drivers Club
MCR - Mini Cooper Register
What would you like to do (e.g. go to race school; get into Vintage Racing)?: Just to be out there on the circuits with everyone else doing ones best.
Historic Cars Owned: See my website under "race and road cars"

Comment Wall:

Load Previous Comments

Stephen Page

Good morning Conor.
I hope that your day is going well :-))
Warmest regards - Stephen

Jan 23, 2009
richard redmond

Hi Conor.The escort is for sale to make way for yet another mini!One for the mini challenge and one built to historic spec,so i will be busy-if the credit crunch allows!
Rich.

Jan 23, 2009
Stephen Page

Very clever Home Page Conor!
Thank you again for inviting your friends.
Stay warm :-))
All the best - Stephen

Jan 23, 2009
Stephen Page

Good Morning Conor
Travis is working on the site and omitted to re-install the Photo tab.
He's working on it now :-))
Thank you for the alert.
Hopefully, normal service will be resumed as soon as possible :-))
Warmest regards - Stephen

Jan 27, 2009
Paulo Sousa

Very nice classic cars.
I like your 1966 Mini Cooper S.
GMC Paulo

Feb 2, 2009
Paulo Sousa

Thank you Conor, I see you soon in Ray Garage Galway Mini Centre.
I sow some videos in your page and some is from my City Porto, Portugal, any time you want to visite the race in Porto, you are very welcome.
Regards,
Paulo

Feb 2, 2009
Paulo Sousa

Hi Conor,
Is not my but will be one day, is my father classic car.
Is a Cooper S.
The only cooper S in my name is one from 1998 :)
Im lucking for one cooper S from 1969 but I didnt make the deal yet.
My favorite color is in Ireland Blue like yours :)

Feb 3, 2009
Paulo Sousa

Any you want race in Portugal in circuit of Boavista "Porto" you can stay in my house!
I show you the city and the food :)
I would like to race one day but not yet!
when you decide to race I can help you...
I go to see the race this year.

Yes, tell me when you go to Ray garage, I will be there.

Feb 3, 2009
Peter Snowdon

Conor, many thanks for the invite. I will add some further details later this week. Regards, Peter

Feb 16, 2009
Casey Annis

Many thanks for the warm words! Our goal, all along has been to make VR a truly international publication. As such, we strive to keep an editorial balance of 1/3 from the UK/Europe, a 1/3 from the U.S. and 1/3 from Australia/NZ. I think this enables everyone to enjoy a little of their home market, will also being able to sample more exotic fare from other countries. Again many thanks for your kind words and support of VR. Now please encourage your friends to subscribe as well!
All the best,
Casey Annis, Editor

Feb 27, 2009
Lennart Jarmyr

Which is which of them, one is red and one is yellow in front.

Best Regards
Lennart

Feb 28, 2009
Lennart Jarmyr

WOW! And so dare you to run them on the racing track.

//Lennart

Feb 28, 2009
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Thank you for the kind and informative note.
I'd like you to think about becoming an Advisory Director to the Vintage Racing League.
Ideally we will recuit 25 well placed aficinardos globally that can help lead the fullfillment of our 1+ million MyVRL member objective by 2011.
Without having met you, I suspect that we would get along very well.
Could you be available for a call next week to discuss?
Warmest regards - Stephen

Feb 28, 2009
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
I think I'll let you get over the Dentist tomoorow and call you around 1pm (your time) Wednesday :-))
All the best - Stephen

Mar 2, 2009
Ann Stevens

Thanks Conor - looks very interesting. Do you think it would be a good place to advertise the Phoenix Park Motor Races (8/9th. August 2009). As COC and trying to get the money to run the event, it is a nightmare this year. It is the 80th. Anniversary of the Irish Grand Prix this year and the OPW even want us to put on an exhibition in the Visitors Centre to celebrate it, but in the current economic environment, I'm having quite a job getting it 'together'.

Anyway - thanks for the invite!!!

Kind regards,

Ann

Mar 4, 2009
Ann Stevens

Thanks for your kind words Conor - I'll have a good look at the site in due course - as I said - it looks very interesting indeed.

Mar 4, 2009
Paul Dalton

Hi Connor, long time. Great site, great idea getting folk in. Unfortunately wont see you on-track this year as I'm off with a UK crowd (CSCC) in the first half of the year then the french Trophee Maxi 1000 series, for max 1300cc cars, for Dijon later in the year. Suit your mini to a T!!

Mar 4, 2009
Bryan Brophy

Thanks,Conor.

Mar 5, 2009
Stephen Page

Thank you for introducing Brendan (and your many other friends ) Conor.
Your special help is hugely appreciated.
All the best - Stephen

Mar 5, 2009
Gail Hill

Hi Conor,
I will keep an eye out at meetings this year and look out for your results. I think we are going to Spa in July this year with the CSCC and will not make it to the 6 hours though I have been several times in one of the support races. I agree though that it is a fab weekend usually. I have several friends who race in the 6 hours so maybe I will get offerred a drive this year and see you there.
Regards
Gail

Mar 5, 2009
Liam Horrigan

Hi Conor,
Tring to get to grips with this new computer.
I will get Brains (Aisling) to upload photos later tonight.

Thanks for the link and hope to see you soon.

Regards

Liam.

Mar 6, 2009
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Follow the link for a poster that might be of interest:-))
http://www.arteautoauction.com/auction/APViewItem.asp?ID=16222
All the best - Stephen

Mar 6, 2009
PJ McGoldrick

Thank you for the invitation, hope we can get together during the summer, Regards, Pj

Mar 6, 2009
Liam Horrigan

Hi Conor,
Aislings E-mail address is aisling.mccarthy@gmail.com
That will give me the chance to ask her to upload more photos !!!

Regards Liam.

Mar 6, 2009
Charles Mori

Hi Conor,

Thanks for the invite. I'll have to travel to one of your events, looks like great fun. Glad to see you're well and enjoying life.

I'll have more time later to search this site and look at yours.
Seems like a wonderful group.

All the best,

Charles

Mar 10, 2009
Barry Long

HI Connor,

Thanks for the invite ,I have just got the Mini engine back from Phill Hepworth,Formerly Howley racing and i have three weeks to build it back up before the first H.S.C.C round at donnington park. . I will give you an update after the event ,I will also add some more pictures and a incar footage video from Pembry last year .Regards Barry.

Mar 14, 2009
Neil Kavanagh

Thanks for the invite Conor, will make sure to invite the rest of the Mini gang.
Car is just about ready for the new season, I fear it's turning into more of a Miglia racer now rather than a historic racer! Might pop over to Spa to see the 6 hour race this year so will make sure to say hello.

See you soon,
Neil

Mar 19, 2009
Steven G Byrne

I have sent a reply email already, but I obviously sent it incorrectly.
Still have the N24, but will be racing DB 4 this year.
Great photo of the car , thankyou.

I will add a few more phots of car to the entry, one also in which we are racing.

Regards

Steven

Mar 25, 2009
Robert R Rightmyer

Conor, I see what you mean! Of course you can use my photo. Your page is great, you are obviously an outstanding gentleman.

Mar 27, 2009
Steven G Byrne

Beginners luck obviously!
Testing DB4 at the Masters day at Donnongton on Thursday.

Regards

Steven

Apr 1, 2009
Stephen Page

Conor - you are a Prince :-))
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your tremendous help.
Warmest regards - Stephen

Apr 1, 2009
Patrick Baird

I see we inhabit the same Island, if a few miles apart... I live near Portaferry, Strangford Lough, quite close to Kirkistown circuit. If you're planning on coming up this way, please do drop an email to me at pb@valentineswax.com and perhaps we could have a jar?

Apr 8, 2009
Patrick Baird

The best of luck at Phoenix Park. Hopefully will see you there if not before. I'm planning on going as a spectator and perhaps take some snaps.
I didn't come across the Aston Martin people. I hope their underside clearance is lots better than mine. Some roads in the West, particularly in Connemara, have this strangely rhytmic effect even at very modest speeds. Hup, hup... scrunch!
This is indeed a great site.It's encouraging me to get more involved.
Best wishes
Patrick

Apr 9, 2009
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Thank you.
I let Travis have his one moment of artistic expression.
He is the world's best programmer, but.............................
We still haven't got the look and feel right, but we will keep working on it.
I hope that you are well.
Warmest regards - Stephen

Apr 17, 2009
Caroline Cassidy

Hi Conor, sorry it's taken so long to write back. How are things with you? It's been a long time since I've seen you, hope your still pushing the mini as hard on the track as ever. Unfortunately I'm not racing this year, I've upped and moved to Cyprus for work and it's killing me not racing. Will hopefully be able to fly back for the Phoenix Park but will have to watch it instead of taking part. Will you be out with us this year? Caroline

Apr 29, 2009
Maxi

Hi Conor, thanks for the nice welcome. Ive spent a lot of time tying to get fired from my job watching your youtube vids, half of my work colleagues could probably be able to tell what gear your in, and what circuit at this stage :D

May 28, 2009
Dennis Gray

Thanks for the compliments. I hope to be in England next year maybe for the Goodwood Revival in Sept 2010. Be sure to get in touch if your in the San Francisco area.

Kind regards.
Dennis Gray
gray44@pacbell.net
415.269.5419
www.grayincolor.com
Member: Vintage Racing League
http://www.myvrl.com
Member: American Auto Racing Writers, Broadcasters Assoc.

Jun 14, 2009
Neil Kavanagh

Hi Conor, how are preparations for the Park going?

Will you be racing with us in the Mini Challenge or with the HRCA guys? We'll be sharing a grid with the HRCA but will be starting 10secs after I believe.

Neil

Jul 8, 2009
Paul Chenard

Dear Mr. O'brien
I'm sorry to hear he was hurt ... did someone cut him off?
It's good to know that he has recovered and is racing again ... and I see that the Mini is in great form, too.
Cheers!
Paul

Aug 13, 2009
Stephen Page

Dear Conor
We embed the company website in some of our Groups.
95% are installed without a problem - some take over the website.
I've deleted the TEXT box containing the Mini official website from the Mini Group.
Now - I'll have to make you the Leader of the Mini Group as well as an a Vintage Racing League Advisory Board Member :-))
With best wishes - Stephen

Aug 19, 2009
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Thank you for your thoughtful email re Goodwood.
No hugs when we meet - I promise!
A safe place to meet is the new Press Center at Goodwood.
Would 11:30am Friday or Saturday work best for you?
All the best - Stephen
FYI - I was born and raised in London.
The American affectations are learned behaviour....................

Aug 27, 2009
Keith E Crandall

Thanks so much for the kind words. Lovely Aston and I bet that Mini is a blast to flog around a twisty course. I would love to get over to your side of the pond one of these days to see you in action!!

KC

Nov 4, 2009
Stephen Page

Dearest Conor
I must have scared every Mini owner at Goodwood to death - lookng for you like a debt collector :-))
Thank you for the lovely feedback and positive comments :-))
I wish you and your family a happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Warmest regards - Stephen

Dec 23, 2009
Don Pentecost

Conor,
Thank you for the postive comments.
Don

Jan 19, 2010
Dennis Gray

Thanks.
I hope you keep up with another American "publication/web site" it's www.sportscardigest.com . Lots of images and interesting prose. Dennis

Apr 1, 2010
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
My UK Home number is 0208-549-2104
My UK cell that I use only when I am in the UK 07910-530094.
I hope that you prevail!
Warmest regards - Stephen

May 18, 2010
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Thank you for the complement :-))
My best wishes for your success in your High Court Action.
When will you know the outcome?
All the best
Stephen

Jun 16, 2010
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
Congratulations on your victory.
I wish you every success in collecting the judgement and I admire your tenacity !!!!!!!!
Will you be at the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
I should be back for the Revival and hope to finally meet you in person then.
All the best - Stephen

Jun 21, 2010
Graham Clark

Hi Conor,
Will do
Graham
VFS Videos

Jul 10, 2010
Stephen Page

Hi Conor
I've stayed at Adare Manor a couple of times.
It will be a wonderful setting for your Irish Festival of Speed.
When you've fixed the date, add it as an event (in our Events section) and I'll feature it on this site - free promotion :-))
Depending when it is, I might join you in person!
All the best - Stephen

Oct 7, 2010