Brian O'Donovan

I discovered Brian much later than I should have-He was such a Joy to listen to Saturday afternoons, whether in my car or camped out with a cup of tea and taking in his show and stories. I had no idea he was so prolific re: sports management, working in Foxboro and more. To me, he was a poet, storyteller, world traveler, musician and friend of musicians and the world. The world was made better by the gifts of Brian O'Donovan. Peace and deepest condolences to his family. Your husband and Dad...

Brian O´Donovan was a part of my life for at least a decade, but likely longer. It´s hard to remember when I first started listening to "A Celtic Sojourn" because it became such a regular part of my week. During the pandemic, I found an especial balm in Brian´s voice, the consistency of a weekly show, and, of course, the music. I looked forward to Brian´s, "Goodbye. And good luck" at the end of episodes. Listening to "A Celtic Sojourn" was one of those saving graces for me during the...

We attended many of the Celtic Christmas Sojourn shows over the last several years. I always loved Brian's reading of A Child's Christmas in Wales and his stories of his own childhood in County Cork. I know he brought the spirit of Christmas into so many lives. Always a joy to hear him sing Miss Fogarty's Christmas Cake. My condolences to all of you and my thanks for sharing your family.

I first listened to a Celtic Sojourn when in college in the late 90s. When I returned the Boston area, I was delighted to hear it still on the radio. It was a Saturday tradition. I´m glad that my husband and I were able to meet him once at the Burren. I am so so sad for the Boston area and the world of "roots and branches" of Irish music. My his memory be a blessing.

Being in his presence, I experienced Ireland - the land of our father and grandparents. He made it a real heartfelt homecoming .

I met Brian as a volunter at the ICC in Canton many years ago. Liam Clancy's last festival appearance,(Sept. 2008), he gave his usual elegant introduction to Clancy. By myself, to the side of the stage in the field, Brian shows up to enjoy this great balladeer. He preferred to be in the audience and not backstage to take it in, maybe his last, time like us all to see Clancy. I listen to his show all the time, but I never heard he was sick until yesterday, alone, in my garage, I heard on WGBH...

My Irish father died in March this year, on St Patrick's Day. He and I shared a love of Irish music. When Brian offered a playlist of a show, I always got it and sent it to my Dad. I loved Celtic Sojourn, have been a longtime listener. I appreciated Brian's weaving of music, poetry, history, and his clear love of the human family. I was so sad to learn he had died, especially after losing my father so recently. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and all those who knew him.

It was on Celtic Sojourn I first heard Seamus Heaney's "When the others were away at Mass" I was immediately transported to my kitchen in Somerville peeling potatoes with my mother. Thank you Brian for teaching me what being Irish is really about. God rest your soul.

Listening to Brian´s Celtic Sojourn on NPR on the weekends always filled me with peace. I am so sorry for his passing but I am thankful for the way God has used him in so many ways. He was an amazing man, filled with joy and his gratefulness for the kindness shown to him touched my heart. His spirit will live on in every life he has touched, either in person or on the radio. His legacy will go on for many generations. My prayers go out to his wife and family and those whose hearts are...