'Absolute gentleman' Tributes pour in following death of Carlow man and Defence Forces corporal

Tributes have been paid following the passing of Martin (Lebbie) O'Brien of Bagenalstown, Carlow.

Martin (Lebbie) passed away in the care of St. James Hospital, Dublin surrounded by his loving family on Saturday the 12th 2025.

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Beloved son of Martin and Pauline, brother of Nicole, Karina and Rachel, father of Corey and fiancé of Karolina.

Will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, loving sisters, adored son, beloved fiancé, much loved nieces Callie and Kaycee and nephews Kyle, Logan, Kaiden, Cole and Daniel. As well as his brothers in law Keith, Alan and Chris, his aunties, uncles, cousins and his many loved friends and work colleagues.

Cpl O Brien enlisted on the 16th of August 2001 and has served 23 years in the Defence Forces. He has completed seven overseas trips, travelling to Lebanon with UNIFIL, Kosovo with KFOR and Liberia with UNMIL. He was 41 years of age and is a native of Bagenalstown, County Carlow.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, stated, "The men and woman of Óglaigh na hÉireann extend their sympathies to the family of Cpl O Brien. The loss of a colleague and friend, with as vast an experience as his, is felt throughout his whole unit and the wider Defence Forces. He will be missed by his friends, family and colleagues but never forgotten. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis"

Tributes have been paid in the condolences section of Rip.ie and read as follows: 

"Sincere condolences to his family and loved ones on their loss, he was an absolute gent, the barracks wont be the same without him, always made everyone laugh. He will be missed a lot."

Another reads:

"My deepest condolences to Martin, Pauline, Corey, Rachel, Karina, Nicole and Karolina for this untimely loss.

Lebbie was an absolute gentlemen who enriched the lives of all who were lucky enough to know him. I am so glad I had the pleasure of spending time with him and will cherish the memories and laughs we all had together forever.

Until we meet again, my friend.

Rest easy Leb."

Funeral Arrangements will be posted later HERE

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