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Brian O'Donovan
1957 - 2023
Brian O'Donovan
1957 - 2023
Obituary
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BORN
1957
DIED
2023
Brian O'Donovan Obituary
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On Friday, October 6, 2023, the world lost a true icon of Celtic music and a remarkable individual, as Brian O'Donovan, the beloved host of WGBH's A Celtic Sojourn, passed away at the age of 66. Brian's life journey was a remarkable blend of musical brilliance, unwavering dedication, and diverse accomplishments.
Born in Clonakilty, County Cork on July 30, 1957, Brian O'Donovan's love affair with Irish and Celtic music began at a young age. His roots in West Cork, shaped his deep connection to Celtic culture and tradition. He went on to pursue his education at University College Cork, where he received his degree in 1978. His academic pursuits eventually led him to England and later to Boston, where he continued his studies at Emerson College.
In Boston, Brian's life took a serendipitous turn when he attended a traditional music session at The Village Coachhouse in Brookline, and was introduced to the love of his life, Lindsay Henes. They married in August of 1981, beginning a partnership that would endure through life's many adventures and challenges.
While Brian is widely celebrated today as the host of A Celtic Sojourn, his earlier professional career was in a very different arena. He held management and executive positions at Foxboro Stadium, the home of the New England Patriots. As General Manager, he oversaw all stadium sporting and music events, demonstrating his exceptional organizational and leadership skills. In 1994, when the Kraft Family acquired the New England Patriots, Brian assumed the role of VP in charge of facilities management, further cementing his legacy in the world of sports management.
Brian's influence extended beyond football as he played a pivotal role in securing and managing the 1994 World Cup and contributed to the creation of Major League Soccer. With the launch of the league, he took on the roles of General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the New England Revolution, making indelible marks in the world of international soccer.
Yet, it was his passion for Celtic music and poetry that truly defined Brian's life. As the host of WGBH's A Celtic Sojourn for 37 years he became a beacon for enthusiasts of Celtic traditions. His inviting presence on the airwaves introduced countless listeners to enchanting melodies, heartfelt stories, and the rich heritage he held dear. Brian and his family took these traditions to the stage for a remarkable 20 year run of "A Christmas Celtic Sojourn," delighting families of all ages with his spirit. Brian's dedication to promoting Celtic music and culture was unwavering, and his legacy as a champion of this art form will endure through generations.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian O'Donovan was known for his generous spirit, kindness, and mentorship. He touched the lives of many in the music industry, offering guidance and encouragement to emerging talent. His commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of Celtic culture was not just a job-it was an integral part of his being.
Brian is survived by his loving family: his wife, Lindsay, his daughters Aoife (Eric Jacobsen) and Nuala, and his sons Ciaran (Emily Donaldson) and Aidan (Jule O'Donovan), and his cherished grandchildren, Ivy Jo, Nomi, and Harriet. He was the much loved brother, uncle, and granduncle of his 8 siblings, Aileen, Millie, Michael, Carmel, James, Margaret, Ann, and Ray; their spouses, children, and grandchildren, and was the much loved nephew of his Auntie Sheila. He is also survived by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Greg Henes and Betsy Bernstrom, and their children. Brian was predeceased by his cherished parents, Jim and Joan O'Donovan of Clonakilty, and his dear niece Kate O'Brien of Cork. His infectious laughter, zest for life, and unwavering love will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A funeral service to celebrate Brian's extraordinary life will be held on Wednesday, October 11, at First Church in Cambridge, 11 Garden St, Cambridge, MA at 1:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Friday Cafe at the UCC Church in Cambridge or the Brian O'Donovan Legacy Fund for Celtic Music at Club Passim in honor of Brian's memory.
Brian O'Donovan's light will continue to shine through the music he championed and the lives he touched. He will be remembered as a true ambassador of Celtic culture, a mentor, and a dear friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his music forever soothe the hearts and souls of all who listen.
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jill geller
January 27, 2024
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 was the best. I really miss him and know everyone that ever met him or heard him feels the same-he was so real and infectious in his passions and good cheer. Thank you, Ireland, for the gift of Brain O'Donovan.
Sheena Furnace
November 4, 2023
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 pandemic, in part because Brian was honest and open about his feelings of both sadness and hope. I don´t think I ever interacted with Brian directly but he felt like such an important part of my life. He will be remembered so fondly. My heart goes out to all those who loved him.
Suzanne Donovan
November 3, 2023
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.
Alexandra Somers Lahr
October 21, 2023
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.
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Catherine Talty
October 16, 2023
Being in his presence, I experienced Ireland - the land of our father and grandparents. He made it a real heartfelt homecoming .
Brian Berry
October 15, 2023
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 what sounde like I had the wrong channel on.There was a lot of rememberance talk. Then it hit me. What? Hearing him for the last half hour of that dedication show was rather comforting, and brought me back to that last Clancy concert as I sat on a bucket and cracked a beer. Relax and enjoy the music Brian. Your family must be very proud. my condolences to you all.
Mary Kiely
October 14, 2023
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.
Bill Nelson
October 14, 2023
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.
Diane Raczka
October 14, 2023
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 hurting without him here on earth. He made such a difference in our world. And really, isn´t that what we are meant to do? To spread love and kindness? Thank you Brian, for your giving heart. God rest your soul.
Edward Krishna Rao
October 13, 2023
Brian was one of the founding members of our cycling club,Les Derailleurs, in Newton. This photo is from our ride up in the Gloucester, Cape Ann area. It was one of Brian's favorite rides.
Maureen McNally
October 11, 2023
To Lindsay and your children and grandchildren. I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Brian from the Irish community in Boston and of the concerts and festivals he presented. May his love and his music remain in your hearts forever
Diane Travers
October 11, 2023
We are so very sorry to hear of Brian´s passing. As a family, we so enjoyed A Celtic Sojourn, and Brian´s many performances. He was truly a wonderful man and we all feel privileged to have known such an amazing force of nature and energy. To Lindsay and your beautiful family, our most heartfelt thoughts are with you.
Rich and Diane Travers, Richie, Russell, Hayley, and Keira
JohnMcClure
October 11, 2023
My condolences to Lindsay and the O´Donovan Family. May Brian´s Soul Rest In Peace. John McClure Boston.
Therese S. Vezeridis
October 11, 2023
As a real estate agent in RI, I spend a lot of time in my car. Totally enjoyed listening to NPR on Saturday afternoon to delightful Celtic music hosted by Brian and I was shocked to find out about his passing. My husband Michael came to Boston from Greece in 1974 to do research at MGH where I met him 2 weeks after his arrival. I was born on a farm in Wisconsin - one of 13 children. We both enjoy music and our two sons Peter and Alex each played several musical instruments throughout their entire education. They both went on to become physicians as well: Peter in Boston is an ortho guy and likes to run along the Charles; Alex is at Stanford. I watched the live stream service today and was very touched by the entire family. May Brian's legacy live on forever in your memory of him. Therese Vezeridis, Cell 401-864-4364
John O´Mahony
October 11, 2023
Brian was a gentleman, a class act from a fantastic family. When I and many others emigrated from Clonakilty he was the first to reach out to help and offer guidance as we were lost souls in the big city. He will be sadly missed but I´m very sure he is sitting in on one hell of a sesiun up above.
Deepest condolences to his wife and family.
John O´Mahony
Viviana Planine
October 11, 2023
I met Brian listening to the radio. On Saturday afternoons he kept me company while I was driving my kids around to their activities. Once while I was listening he said "I hope I can keep you company while you are driving your kids from soccer to swimming and to all their activities". "Yes, you are" I said and I thought you must be a parent. One evening, I am in the auditorium of our school for a students performance, and I hear his voice behind me. Yes, Brian was a parent and we share the same community. Thank you for so may Saturday afternoons! My condolences to Lindsay and the kids. I hope that wherever you go Brian there is music to keep you company. Viviana Planine-Troiani
Aimee Bell-Pasht
October 10, 2023
Mary, Nuala, Aidan, Aoife, and Ciaran,
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Thanks to my friendship with Nuala, I have multiple great memories of Brian and Lindsay inviting me into their home, but my fondest memory is an impromptu winter run with Nuala and Brian nearly two years ago. It was a perfect sunny, brisk January day and Nuala convinced Brian to join us on a jog. The three of us got to chatting and we were having so much fun we ran 14k seemingly without effort. When we got back to Mt Auburn Street, Lindsay made us soup (I think it was carrot? one day I would love the recipe...) and we all four sat around chatting and laughing. Among other things, we bonded over our shared love of Amtrak and the Northeast Kingdom. Upon sharing my hesitation about my recent choice to move to New York City-and whether I should choose a more affordable or modest city to live in-Brian said he thought it was great to choose to be in the heart of things as the world recovered from being shut down. I found this sentiment both romantic and encouraging, and I thought about it often as I settled into the city.
I remember arriving home, flying high, and immediately texting Nuala that it was the probably the best day of my whole winter. I´m so grateful to have created this memory with such a wonderful person! Along with many other past and present Bostonians - I will miss seeing Brian out and about, and I will miss hearing his voice on the radio.
Colleen Minaker
October 10, 2023
A farewell from Jason, Kyle, Rebecca, Tara and Colleen Minaker. Ken and I remember the music across the street from our house on the evening of Brian and Lindsay´s wedding night. I remember the excitement that warm summer evening in 1982. Our sorrow is multiplied for Brian because we lost Ken to the same glioblastoma cancer and Ken like Brian was also 66 years. My children went to school with the Odonovans too. Best wishes from us to you.
Christine Desrosiers
October 10, 2023
I was so sad to hear of Brian's passing. I did not know him personally but like so many of us have we got to know him and look forward to spending Saturday afternoons with him on Celtic Sojourn. I looked forward to it every single week. On one instance though I was driving and tuned in at the end of the show and he played 'Row On' by Eilis Kennedy. This song was so beautiful and it found me at a time when I was mourning my husband's passing in 2021. This song touched me and helped me to say goodbye in a way that felt right. I emailed him about the song and he returned a heartfelt message to me that meant so much.
I will miss hearing him every Saturday as just hearing the caring and heart that he put into sharing the music and poetry and stories with all of us was clear.
'Row On' Brian, and be at peace:
'Row on row on God speed the way
Thou cannot linger here
Storms hang about the closing day
Tomorrow may be clear
Felix O'Regan, Dublin
October 9, 2023
I'm very sad and sorry to learn of Brian's death after a brave battle with illness. I have happy memories of our growing up together as neighbours and friends in Ashe Street, Clonakilty and sharing the same schools in the town. May he now rest in peace. My sincere condolences to all of Brian's family.
nora hussey
October 9, 2023
Brian was/is one of the most sincerely good people on this earth. From a first conversation on WERS in 1983 to his interview with Leanne O'Sullivan in 2018 my respect and admiration only grew with every year. Rest now Brian, you left this earth so much a better place for your existence. You are irreplaceable and our mourning is deep. May you be riding forever through the Beara and finding loved ones all along the journey.
Donagh O Mahony
October 9, 2023
Sincere sympathies to Brian's family and friends from the Clonakilty branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. We were delighted to meet some of his dedicated followers on their recent visit to West Cork. His work in promoting traditional Irish culture should forever be appreciated. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam
Barbara Harte
October 9, 2023
To Lynsey and family, and Brian´s family in Ireland, my deepest sympathy to you all at this sad time. May Brian Rest In Peace.
Steve Brown
October 9, 2023
I first met Brian at the Emerald Isle session in Dorchester, early 80´s I think. He was always so kind and supportive. Not long after that, I began to hear him on the radio at ERS. He took over the folk music of the British Isles show, which at the time was on Saturday mornings, and did regular shifts on the coffee house. Are used to call in frequently and talk to him, he was such a great guy. Over the years, I would run into him at various events, and he even asked me to perform at the Burren a couple of times. what a great human being!
Devone Tucker
October 9, 2023
Brian was one of the greatest radio hosts in the history of Boston. I loved listening to A Celtic Sojourn, and his show helped get me through many difficult times in my life. He also introduced me to a world of great music I would have never known otherwise. He is a legend whose legacy will never be forgotten.
Kent Mollohan
October 8, 2023
Will there be an audio or visual CD of his radio shows for those of us who never got to hear hear him?
Therese hallinan
October 8, 2023
I would like to send my most heartfelt condolences to fionnula and of course lindsay on the death of her father, husband. Fionnuala I accidently discovered you singing the connemara lullaby on youtube last month. I have prayed for brian since then. My niece is married to an o,donovan in skibbereen. I live in tipperary. My name is therese hallinan and my email is [email protected]. please contact me if you have time. I also went to cork university like your father but graduated 2 years before him.
What joy you and your father have given to me and friends in both switzerland and Ireland over the past month. People have been touched deeply by the gentleness of your father as you sang on stage 12 years ago. That wave of his hand said it all! I want everyone to join in he was saying. Peace and goodness flowed from both of you. He was so proud of his daughter singing on stage. What love he showed in his own irish way by reaching out to touch you. Watch the video again with new eyes.
On Wed 11th I will remember you and family in a special way .
May God be with you and bless you and may his face shine upon you and bring you great peace
Hopefully we will chat again and if ever you visit clonakilty be sure to look me up. I am not that far away.
Therese hallinan
Nan Lombard
October 8, 2023
Sincere condolences to Lindsay and extended families at this sad time
Brian Giltinan
October 8, 2023
Bernard Kingston
October 8, 2023
So Sorry to hear of Brian's death. I have fond memories of our school days together. My condolences to all the O Donovan family.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis"
Bernard Kingston. Dublin
Michael B Collins
October 8, 2023
Michael Collins October 8,2023
My memories of Brian go back to his first days in Boston when he presented Celtic music on WERS. I think he organized one of the first Irish Festivals in Boston at what was then Schaeffer Stadium where the Pats and Revs played. We only chatted in person a few times here and there at The Burren, after the original Christmas Celtic Sojourn at the Somerville Theatre and discussed the musical acquaintances we had in common and our Cork heritage. My sons grew from young teens to men attending the Christmas Sojourn with my wife and I and later their wives to be. We all so enjoyed this special evening each Christmas and it seemed like Brian was part of our family and we all for a short time a part of his. I will miss him dearly and extend my deepest condolences to Lindsay. He was such a kind, funny and wise man who shared his heart and soul so freely with so many.
tracy d finstein
October 8, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Judy Jackson
October 8, 2023
Most Saturdays I listened to Brian during Celtic Sojourn. He seemed like a friend. I learned so much from him I loved his gentle demeanor and perspective on life and music. We attended a Christmas Celtic Sojourn and every person who experienced it with me loved it. We had the great fortune of meeting him at the BPL after a live broadcast. My son and I took a photo with him and he spent a long time talking with us. It was such a joy to meet him. To his family and friends I am so profoundly sorry about your loss. I know how my son and I feel, I can´t imagine how you feel.
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