Andy O'Brien (footballer)

Andrew James "Andy" O'Brien (born 29 June 1979) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre back.

Born in Harrogate, England, O'Brien won 26 caps for Republic of Ireland between 2001 and 2006 and was a member of Ireland's 2002 World Cup squad. He retired from international duty in 2006.

Club career

Bradford City

Born in Harrogate, England, O'Brien began his footballing career at St John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, under the stewardship of his manager, Max Mills. He joined Leeds United's academy and played in the same youth side as Harry Kewell and Jonathan Woodgate, however O'Brien was released by Leeds at the age of 14. His talent as a defender was spotted by Bradford City and joined their junior ranks in 1994. He made his senior debut in October 1996 against Queens Park Rangers. He soon became a regular in the Bradford City first team, and helped the Bantams to promotion to the FA Premier League during the 1998–99 season.

He was a regular in the Bradford City side during its two years in the Premier League, forming a partnership with club captain David Wetherall in central defence. In 2000–01, City were in financial difficulties and facing relegation when Newcastle United bid for O'Brien. After 133 league appearances he moved to St James' Park in March 2001 for a club record £2 million fee, equalling the same fee Des Hamilton had also left Bradford City to Newcastle.

Andy O'Brien

Andy or Andrew O'Brien may refer to:

Andy O'Brien (EastEnders)

Andrew "Andy" O'Brien is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ross Davidson. One of the original characters created for the series, Andy made his first appearance one month after the show first broadcast in March 1985. Portrayed as altruistic and middle-classed, Andy and his girlfriend Debbie were an attempt to represent gentrification of the East End. Despite Davidson claiming that there had been plans for his character, Andy became the first regular character in EastEnders to be killed-off. Davidson claims this was due to an altercation between himself and Executive Producer and show creator, Julia Smith. His death scene aired in August 1986.

Storylines

Nurse Andy O'Brien moves to Albert Square in March 1985 along with his girlfriend Debbie Wilkins (Shirley Cheriton). Andy and Debbie are decidedly 'Middle class', in contrast to the working class locals who inhabit the Square. Andy and Debbie have a rocky relationship. Andy wants to settle down and start a family but Debbie isn't so keen and she soon attracts the attention of policeman Roy Quick (Douglas Fielding). Debbie obviously enjoys being pursued by Roy so they agree to have an open relationship. The pair continue to live together, which is not ideal for Andy, as he still has feelings for Debbie and regularly gets jealous when he sees her with other men.

Andy O'Brien (politician)

Andy O'Brien (21 January 1915 – 4 December 2006) was a Fine Gael politician from County Cavan in Ireland. He was a senator from 1969 to 1982, and from 1983 to 1987.

O'Brien was a teacher who served as principal of the national school in Crubany for more than 40 years. He was member of Cavan County Council and Cavan Urban District Council for over 40 years, and a leading organiser of Fine Gael in the county.

He was first elected to the 12th Seanad in 1969, on the Agricultural Panel, and re-elected in 1973 on the Administrative Panel. In 1977, he was elected to the 14th Seanad on the Labour Panel, which re-elected him in 1981. He did not contest the 1982 Seanad election, but in 1983 he was re-elected on the Labour Panel, and served until he stood down at the 1987 election.

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