Wicklow-based radio service East Coast FM has been helping to find family members of an old friend.
Retired Company Sergeant Eddie Crawford, who served with the 28Inf. Bn. In Donegal, contacted East Coast FM’s Morning Show in the hope of locating a family member of the late Joseph O’Brien who serviced in the Irish Army during the siege of Jadotville.
All Eddie Crawford knew was that Joseph was born somewhere in Wicklow, he served in Collins BKS, Cork, was a driver with the transport section there and that Joseph, his wife and his son Pat has passed away.
Presenter of The Morning Show, Declan Meehan and Producer, Clare Hogan instantly took on the challenge. Eddie Crawford came on air the following day with local historian Stan O’Reily who had a keen interest in the history of Wicklow and The Irish Army. Stan started by searching birth register in Wicklow Libraries to see where in Wicklow Joseph was born.
In the meantime, The Morning Show was contacted by Arklow man, Eddie Nicholson who said he was Joseph’s neighbour and lived in the same terrace growing up. Eddie Nicolson described Joseph O’Brien as a ‘quiet man’. Eddie said he was still in contact with Josephs cousins in Arklow and the search to find Joseph O’Brien’s oldest living relative began.
The path leads to Yorkshire, Where Ann Brown, and Joseph’s Niece lived. Ann said she knew Joseph growing up and often came to Arklow to meet her uncle. Ann was delighted to be contacted by Eddie Crawford and Eddie Nicholson. She said she knew that Joseph was in the army but had no idea he took part in the siege of Jadotville.
Anne will make the trip to Dublin on the 27th October to receive her uncle’s medal and to mark Jadotville Day in Collins Barracks.