Mark O'Brien

[liamoo11]

This lad deserves good thing. Worth remembering he played in the championship as a 17 year old

[DeLorean]

This lad deserves good thing. Worth remembering he played in the championship as a 17 year old

He was extremely highly regarded at Derby too, such a shame. I remember when he scored the goal to keep them up some of the Irish media were (pathetically) more focussed on the whole Jeff Stelling - Hartlepool heartbreak angle.

[DeLorean]

New two-year contract at Newport - https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1134044443152146432

Good to see the positive comments despite possibly costing them promotion last weekend, he seems to be a very important player for them and still, somehow, only 26

https://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/2019/may/ob-signs-new-deal/

[tetsujin1979]

Has to retire due to his ongoing heart problems, only 27: https://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/2020/june/club-news-15-06/

[DeLorean]

Has to retire due to his ongoing heart problems, only 27: https://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/2020/june/club-news-15-06/

A shame. A serious prospect at one point nailing down a starting position at centre back in the Championship at just 19. He'll always have this at least -


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlSG24gxz6k

[tommy_c12000]

One aspect of the article that really surprised me was that Mark got a pig's valve. (“They took my aortic valve out and replaced it with a pig’s aortic valve).
Pig valves are a lot less durable than metal mechanical valves and are generally reserved for more elderly patients. Typically they may have a life span of 10 years. The one major advantage of using them is that the patient does not have to go on blood thinners. Maybe this was a deciding factor when they were making the decision as playing competitive football on a daily basis would increase the risk of trauma and thus increase the bleeding risk. (This is me just musing outloud. Really can't say for certain as I have very little experience in that area). Metal mechanical valves require life long blood thinners but can last the lifetime of the patient.

The bottom line is that Mark will require more open heart surgery in his late 20s/early 30s. Just wondering if anyone knows if this is the norm for participants in contact sports to go with pig valves to "get through" their sporting careers, then undergo the traumatic stress of another open heart surgery to get a metal valve in?? It seems to me like a admirable brave decision to pursue his dream of being a professional footballer.

Timeframe as expected. But gave his professional career every chance so very admirable. Such a shame for such a talented footballer. Wishing him all the best with his future health and endeavors

[tetsujin1979]

Interviewed on the Life Outside Of Sport podcast
https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy81MTcwY2JjYy9wb2RjYXN0L3 Jzcw/episode/YWIxM2M3OGQtM2YxNS00NzFhLTk0YTctYzgxYWMzZDM4Y2E3

[tetsujin1979]

Bringing out a book soon
1694651980021383262

[John83]

Here's the amazon link in case anyone wants to add it to a wishlist or something: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Game-Two-Hearts-Football-Beyond/dp/1739296931/ref=sr_1_4?crid=STHO6CNFTZ0A&keywords=game+of+two+hearts&qid=1692900473&sprefix=game+of+two+hearts%2Caps%2C101&sr=8-4

[pineapple stu]

"Currently unavailable.
We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock."

Edit - in fact, probably because it hasn't been released as a title yet...

[Predator]

Mark O'Brien's story is an incredible one and this should be an interesting read. I remember when he broke onto the scene at Derby in the Championship and the excitement that surrounded him as a young defender. He retained a fantastic attitude through it all and forged a decent career for himself despite those obstacles he faced. At one point he and Shane Duffy were both in the same U19 and U21 squads - two CBs, one who came through open-heart surgery and one whose life was saved after nearly dying on the pitch. These are the type of characters we are lucky to have. Hope it all works out for Mark.

[tetsujin1979]

Mark's book has been published and is available to order here
A Game Of Two Hearts (https://www.morganlawrence.co.uk/product/game-of-two-hearts-mark-obrien/)