According to Michael O Brien 4 large conglomerates have offered to buy the publishing house, but tehy wanted to stay independent.
The O'Brien Press is notable for launching the career of international, bestselling author, Eoin Colfer, publishing the "Benny Books" and The Wish List, and have also published The General by Paul Williams, which was made into a major film by John Boorman in 1998.
[4][5] It is the only Irish publishing house to have received the prestigious International Reading Association Award.
Brandon Books was independently established in Dingle, County Kerry by Steve McDonogh but subsequently folded when he died.
[6] Authors published by Brandon include Gerry Adams, Alice Taylor, Mary Morrissy and Frank McGuinness.