Roberta O'Brien is the highest ranking woman in the Irish navy and the first woman to captain her own ship, and then to achieve the rank of Commander.
Roberta O'Brien was born in the Glen of Aherlow in Tipperary c. 1977.
O'Brien played on the Glen of Aherlow boys hurling team until she was fourteen.
O'Brien qualified, with a science degree from University College Galway in 2000.
O'Brien married another serviceman Peadar Ó Catháin, with whom she has three children.