Brian O’Donovan
I met Brian O’Donovan shortly after moving to Boston in 2005. I was a fan of Celtic music and knew him as the host of A Celtic Sojourn, the related holiday productions around Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day, and putting on concerts at The Burren in Somerville. But I also knew Brian through running. I saw him at a race wearing a Cambridge Sports Union singlet, my running club, which led to a conversation about his running. Brian loved to run and race and told me several times he didn’t do enough of either. And that he enjoyed being part of CSU, even if he didn’t race often.
Brian packed a lot into his 66 years. It started with music in Ireland and London, morphed into events management in Boston and then back to music. When reading the account of his life in the news release from WGBH, it seemed it could have described the life of two people. But it was all Brian.
Brian’s passing reminded me of the many interesting people I have met through running, not just in CSU but those in other clubs or just individual runners. Many of these people have become trusted friends I really enjoy seeing when in Boston and otherwise try to stay in touch with. It’s probably true of other sports too but I have found runners an eclectic group, hardly profiling a predictable stereotype. My club, CSU, which I obviously know best, brings together the combined passions around running, orienteering, and XC skiing – thus a “union” – which adds to the diversity and probably makes it a unique club.
Brian’s passing is also a reminder to cherish the presence of those around us. It’s way too easy to find reasons to put distance between ourselves and others based on disagreements on any number of things. That is simply a waste of time. There is much to share with others if we just open ourselves to the opportunity. Brian did that in spades in those 66 years. And his example reminds us that life is short and that we never know how long our time will be. RIP Brian and thank you for all the great music and your friendship.