Popular librarian retires after 44 years

It was not just the conclusion of a chapter, it was the end of a storied era on Friday last when Gearoid O’Brien retired from the Westmeath County Library Service.

The popular and affable local historian is, for many people, inextricably interlinked with the library service, where he has left an indelible mark on public service, local history and culture, and the accumulated knowledge of his beloved home town.

In January 1974 Gearoid O’Brien took a detour from his original career choice of journalist to take up a temporary position as a Library Assistant in Athlone’s Fr Mathew Hall.

Some 44 years later, it was evident that the detour had turned into a vocation and it was with sadness that family, friends and colleagues gathered to wish Gearoid well on his retirement.