Happy Brirthday, Mr Colm Meaney. What a great story. A character that went from a minor supporting role to become a much loved guest start on TNG, and then went on to become a principal cast member on DS9. I think he holds the record for most appearances on Star Trek behind Michael Dorn? Recently as I have been watching the early seasons of TNG on Blu-Ray, and I quielty cheer whenever Chief O'Brien comes onscreen as the reliable transporter operator. It's interesting watching him during the early stages, and then I think of what his character would go on to become on DS9. It was an awesome journey for a fantastic actor. Many happy returns to Colm and his family.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Meaney! I just saw him in a re-watch of Stargate Atlantis, where he played the leader of the Genii. He'll always be Chief O'Brien to me.