Obituary: Remembering the late Neasa O'Brien, a woman and mother of unwavering determination

We sadly put on record the death of Neasa O’Brien, 5 Meneval Green, Farmleigh, Dunmore Road, Waterford (formerly of Bishopsfield and Knockboy). 

Neasa passed away on January 9, surrounded by the family she adored. 

From the moment of her birth on March 4, 1994, it was clear that a very special lady had arrived. The youngest of four, she was idolised by her three brothers, Cian, Donal, and Conall, who quickly learned that she was the "boss" of the household.

Neasa was a force of nature - full of fun, mischief, and a luminous energy that drew people to her. She attended Gaelscoil Phort Láirge, Baile Mhic Gonair, moving on to the Ursuline Secondary School where she made many eternal friends.

A woman of unwavering determination, Neasa was competitive in every aspect of her life. This drive saw her excel academically; she successfully achieved a First Class Honours Degree in Marketing and was named Marketing Student of the Year. 

Professionally, she was a leader who commanded with empathy and integrity, rising to become Director of Marketing Operations at International Living in Portlaw.

In 2011, Neasa welcomed the love of her life, her darling daughter Molly. She balanced her career and education while being an incredible mother. In 2023, she fulfilled her dream of buying her own home in Farmleigh, where she loved to entertain friends and family.

Neasa had a keen interest in sport, particularly soccer. She was a passionate advocate for ladies in sport and an active member of the Park Rangers family, where she helped to coach some of the younger girls’ teams. 

This was a passion she shared with Molly; the pair loved training, match days, and finishing the day with a nice cup of tea and a natter.

In March 2024, she was diagnosed with a brain tumour, an illness she fought with bravery right to the end. Though her life was far too short, Neasa crammed in a huge amount of living.

Neasa's Funeral Mass took place on arrival at St. Mary’s Church, Ballygunner, on Monday, January 12. She was laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballygunner.

Neasa is deeply missed by her darling daughter Molly and Molly’s Dad, Jamie Dunphy, and the extended Dunphy family; her heartbroken parents, Nicky and Maria; her brothers Cian, Donal, and Conall; sisters-in-law Ciara, Aisling, and Sarah; and her beloved nieces and nephews Izzy, Darragh, Saoirse, Calum, Sean and Chloe.

Codladh sámh, Neasa.

The O’Brien family would like to thank all who sympathised with them on Neasa’s passing. A big thank you to Fr. Liam Power and Fr. Pat Fitzgerald, the staff in the Cherry Ward and Oak Ward in UHW, Catherine Street Medical Centre, Thompson’s Funeral Directors and Neasa's dear friends for their love and support.

A Month’s Mind mass will be held in St. Mary’s Ballygunner at 6pm on February 14.