Remembering Brian O’Donovan: A Beloved Friend and Visionary

In the wake of profound loss, we mourn the passing of our dear friend, Brian O’Donovan, whose impact on our lives and community is immeasurable. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Brian’s wife, Lindsay, their children, and grandchildren during this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Brian O’Donovan was a figure universally revered and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His warmth, intelligence, and zest for life left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to be in his presence. While Brian will forever be remembered for his decades on the Boston airwaves, where he brought A Celtic Sojourn into our homes and radios, we must also acknowledge his pivotal role in the growth of soccer in New England.

Brian’s visionary leadership played a pivotal role in elevating soccer to the prominence it enjoys in our region today. His contributions were instrumental in bringing the FIFA World Cup to Foxboro for the first time in 1994. Subsequently, when our family became founding partners in Major League Soccer the following year, it was abundantly clear that Brian O’Donovan was the ideal choice to lay the foundation for the New England Revolution as our club’s inaugural general manager and chief operating officer.

Brian’s legacy is deeply woven into the tapestry of Boston and the city’s distinctive Irish-American culture. His influence will reverberate for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on all those fortunate enough to have known him.