3-082-644 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The late Sir Patrick O'Brien, 1895. Engraving from a photograph. 'The death of Sir Patrick O'Brien has recalled many stories of one of the most genial of Irish humorists. Sir Patrick O'Brien sat in the House of Commons for more than thirty years, and his rising in debate was always welcomed, especially in the small hours. He had a positive genius for jocular irreverence, vastly appreciated in the days before changes in procedure had made wandering from the point a Parliamentary offence. Perhaps Sir Patrick's greatest achievement was his famous reply to Mr. Biggar, who had attacked him purely for the sake of sport. "Sor!" said Sir Patrick, "if I were to say to this House that I regarded the honourable member for Cavan with contempt and disdain, what would the House reply? Sor, the House would say, 'Pat, me bhoy, roight ye are!' " Needless to say this utterance was not reported next morning'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.