Born in
Dublin, Ireland, Mick began his musical education on the
uilleann pipes in the renowned
Thomas Street Pipers Club in Dublin. His father Dinny O'Brien, a traditional "box" player, was also a constant source of tunes and inspiration. He also played for a time with
Riverdance. Mick recorded his first LP with his family when he was 13 years old. He later joined
Na Píobairí Uilleann, an organisation founded to promote piping, where he absorbed hundreds of tunes and refined his technique. His playing can be heard on numerous recordings with artists such as
The Dubliners,
Frankie Gavin and the
RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Mick has toured extensively and given master classes throughout Europe and North America. His highly acclaimed solo CD of
traditional Irish music; "May Morning Dew" was released in 1996. In 2003, Mick released
Kitty Lie Over along with
fiddler
Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. It was named No.1 Traditional Album of 2003 and one of the best of the entire decade by
Earle Hitchner in the
Irish Echo. 2011 saw the release of Mick's second album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh. The new album is named Deadly Buzz Aoibhinn Crónán. Mick is former a teacher in St Davids C.B.S in Artane Dublin, where he taught Geography and Irish, among other subjects. Mick also looked after the hurlers of the school. Mick has worked with several Irish composers including
Michael Holohan, Linda Buckley and
Dave Flynn. He premiered the first ever set of
Études for Uilleann Pipes in 2011 at the Masters of Tradition Festival in Bantry. They were composed for him by Dave Flynn. Mick also teaches on the first two year
uillean pipes making course in Ireland. In 2023, he was awarded was named Musician of the Year at the
Gradam Ceoil TG4 Awards, considered to be the foremost recognition given to traditional Irish musicians. ==Pipes and whistles==