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Henry O'Brien
Earl of Thomond
Detail (head) of a painted bust-length portrait of Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond, showing a fair-haired man with a moustache against a dark background
Tenure 1624–1639
Predecessor Donogh, 4th Earl
Successor Barnabas, 6th Earl
Died 26 July 1639
Buried St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick
Spouse(s) Mary Brereton
Issue
Detail
Margaret, & others
Father Donogh, 4th Earl
Mother Elizabeth FitzGerald

Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond (1588–1639) was an important Irish nobleman. He was known as Lord Ibrickane until 1624. He served in the Irish House of Lords, which was part of the Irish Parliament.

Early Life and Family

Henry O'Brien was born in 1588. He was the oldest son of Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond. His mother was Elizabeth FitzGerald.

His father's family, the O'Brien dynasty, was a very old and powerful Irish family. They were descendants of Brian Boru, a famous medieval high king of Ireland. This means Henry came from a long line of important leaders.

Henry's mother, Elizabeth, was the fourth daughter of Gerald FitzGerald, 11th Earl of Kildare.

HenryO'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond
Henry O'Brien, 5th Earl of Thomond

Marriage and Children

On July 13, 1608, Henry O'Brien married Mary Brereton. She was a wealthy heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of money and land. Mary was the only daughter of William Brereton, 1st Baron Brereton.

Henry and Mary had five daughters:

  • Mary (died 1686): She married Charles Cokayne, 1st Viscount Cullen in 1627.
  • Margaret: She married Edward Somerset, 2nd Marquess of Worcester first, and then Donough Kearney.
  • Elisabeth (1656–1659): She married Dutton Gerard, 3rd Baron Gerard, in 1636.
  • Anne (died 1645): She married Henry O'Brien, 7th Earl of Thomond in 1641.
  • Honora: She married Sir Francis Inglefield first, and then Sir Robert Howard.

His Role in Parliament

On March 3, 1613, Henry O'Brien was called to join the Irish House of Lords. At that time, he was known as Lord Ibrickane. The House of Lords was a part of the Irish Parliament. This was the only parliament held during the reign of King James I in Ireland.

Becoming the 5th Earl

Henry's father, Donogh, passed away on September 5, 1624. After his father's death, Henry became the 5th Earl of Thomond. This meant he inherited his father's title and responsibilities.

Death

Henry O'Brien, the 5th Earl of Thomond, died in 1639. He was buried in St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick. Since he did not have any sons, his title was passed on to his brother, Barnabas O'Brien, 6th Earl of Thomond.

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