Cllr Gary O’Brien
Gary was co-opted as a member of Cork City Council in March, 2025 – replacing Garret Kelleher, following his election to Seanad Éireann.
Gary was born and raised in Ballincollig, and has been an active member of the community for over 15 years. He graduated from CIT with a B.A. in Community Development and Education in 2018, and from Edinburgh Business School with an MBA in 2022.
He pursued a career as a Family Practitioner working with the most vulnerable of families across Cork City and County dealing with housing issues, child protection, advocacy, addiction, and other challenges that families face on a daily basis. He now manages Child & Family Services with Childhood Matters in Cork.
As a community activist in Ballincollig for over 15 years, Gary has held several leadership positions, including Chairperson of Ballincollig Credit Union, Chairperson of Ballincollig Family Resource Centre, Member of resident’s association, Chairperson of Ballincollig Community Forum, and designated Liaison Person for Lakewood AFC.
His key priorities include:
- a community centre for Ballincollig
- promoting safer streets and stronger communities
- ensuring a clean and healthy environment, and
- providing more affordable and social housing.
Gary is committed to listening to the needs of the community and working hard to make Ballincollig the best place to live, work, and raise a family.