Andrew james obrien biography

Footballer (born )

For the New Zealand dual-code rugby international, see Andrew O'Brien (rugby).

Andrew James O'Brien (born 29 June ) is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in England, he won 26 caps for Republic of Ireland between and and was a member of the Republic's World Cup squad. He retired from international duty in

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 His talent as a defender was spotted by Bradford City and joined their junior ranks in He made his senior debut in October 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 –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 –01, City were in financial difficulties and facing relegation when Newcastle United bid for O'Brien. After league appearances he moved to St James' Park in March for a club record £2&#;million fee, equalling the same fee Des Hamilton had also left Bradford City to Newcastle.

Newcastle United

He quickly became a central figure in the Magpies defence, making more than league and cup appearances in the ensuing four years. His performances also earned O'Brien a call-up to the Republic of Ireland national football team. One of his first games saw him score an equaliser in a north-east derby with Sunderland, while in his first full season the club secured a place in the Champions League qualifiers. The following season the club bought defenders Titus

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Origin: St. John's, Newfoundland
Biography:

Andrew James O'Brien is a 3 time Music Newfoundland and Labrador Award winner (). He was named Male Artist of the Year, Rising Star of the Year and his debut album, Songs for Searchers, was named the Pop/Rock Recording of the Year. Jamie Fitzpatrick of CBC Radio's Performance Hour says he will be, "The next big songwriter to emerge out of Newfoundland". John Clarke, Events Coordinator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society says, "Andrew O'Brien plumbs the depth of human experience and bares his heart, soul, and liver in an outpouring of emotion and feeling against a catchy, melodic backdrop of contemporary folk, pop and rock".

Andrew O'Brien and the Searchers have been rapidly building a reputation for highly energetic, thoughtful and infectious performances. The band elevates O'Brien's singer/songwriter sensibilities with a blend of folk, pop and rock giving it, at times, a harder edge while maintaining the sensitivity of his unashamedly autobiographical style of songwriting. A strong wall of refined musical arrangement married with clever, heartfelt personal narrative, has made Andrew O'Brien and the Searchers a must see band.

NZ international dual-code rugby player

This article is about the New Zealand rugby union and rugby league player. For the New Zealand rugby league player, see Jim O'Brien (rugby league, born ).

Andrew James O'Brien (–) was a New Zealand rugby footballer who represented New Zealand with the All Blacks and in rugby league.

Rugby union career

O'Brien began his career playing rugby union for Marlborough between and He also played for a combined Nelson-Marlborough-Golden Bay-Motueka side against the Springboks in the side's 26–3 defeat. In that game he lined up alongside fellow future dual-international Charles Fitzgerald.

In , he moved north to Auckland, joining the Grafton club. He immediately was selected for the North Island side and subsequently the All Blacks tour of New Zealand and South Wales. He finished the tour having played in 3 games and scored one try. Returning to Auckland, O’Brien played his first game for the union late in the season. In he played five games for Auckland.

Rugby league career

O'Brien switched to rugby league in , joining Marist in the Auckland Rugby League competition. He played for Auckland and made the New Zealand national rugby league team for three tests against the touring Great Britain Lions side that year. He toured Australia in and gained another two Kiwi test caps playing against