On December 22nd, to the great shock and sorrow of his family, many friends, work colleagues and fond acquaintances, the 55-year-old Wicklow-born horticulturist, gardener, plant-hunter, author and plantsman Seamus O’Brien died suddenly at his home at Kilmacurragh in east Wicklow.
It’s impossible to properly convey the scale of that loss to the world, except to say that O’Brien was a person of rare brilliance, a uniquely talented individual possessed of a first-class intellect combined with a passion for plants, an endlessly curious mind, an awe-inspiring work ethic, an impish sense of humour, an adventurous spirit and unfailing generosity. Liked, admired and respected by all…