Having met Brian on several occasions and being the recipient of his kind and gentle ways, his passing has left a void that will not be easily filled.
Whenever his name was mentioned he was instantly recognized as the “… man who could make things happen…”, from organizing a session of music to providing directions to other events in Ireland.

We here in Boston most certainly will miss that caring man.

We wish we could be there with you to celebrate his life’s achievements.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Larry Reynolds,
Hanafin Cooley Branch, Boston

Please accept my heartfelt condolences to Brian’s Immediate Family; and to his larger Comhaltas Family.

Brian made me feel so welcome when visiting Monkstown a few years ago, and the warm invitation to visit the Shop and a Session made me feel very much at home.  I know that many others experienced that kindness and welcome, which is why the Sessions kept growing.

Brian also made sure I had enough Foinn Seisiun Books and CD’s to take back to Boston; and to his enormous credit there are now many budding Irish musicians enjoying tunes and sets from his books all around the Boston area, and well beyond.

Thank You Brian, and “God Bless”

I was greatly saddened when learning of Brian’s death.  During the years I served as North American Chairman, I greatly enjoyed working with Brian as our friendship grew.  He was one of the most generous and hardworking men I have known.  Never was he too busy to answer a question or help with a problem.  His commitment to Comhaltas and traditional music is well known.  My dear friend Jack Pendergast (RIP) made it a point to arrive in Dublin for Ard Chomhairle meetings early so he could be at Brian’s Wednesday night session.  Noel Reid from New Orleans recently commented to me how gracious Brian was in inviting players at various proficiency levels to join in.  Our music school students in Boston, as well as numerous others I’m sure, have benefited greatly from Brian’s session books.  My thoughts will be with you on Wednesday evening as you celebrate Brian’s life and his contributions to traditional Irish music.

Brian, you embroidered every greeting with a smile,
Your bearded face exuded joy , always.
Your friendship ever true and loyal
In my memory will remain, down all my days.

It is with great sadness l write this note, Brian will be sorley missed, particularly in Comhaltas but his memory will live on through his session books. my sincere sympathy to his wife and family. I will miss your gentle handshake and warm smile,your friend, Pat Beagon

Brian, For so many years Brian was the friendly and helpful voice on the phone when I called the Culturlann inquiring about this and that or help with some project of import to North America. Our first meeting was in Toronto for the CCE 50th Anniversary year North American Convention in 2001 just prior to one of his many triumphs, the Senior Ceili Band Reunion at that year’s Fleadh Nua.  His help with the annual Concert Tour promotion was invaluable as was his development of the Tune Session Books and CDs for Comhaltas. With our common ties to County Clare and its music and growing friendship and discourse over the internet, the full flower of Brian’s gifts of knowledge, generosity, consideration of others became more obvious to me. Once I became a delegate from North America to the Ardchomhairle, I had the opportunity to spend more time with Brian and appreciate his handiwork and geniality on a more personal basis.  He leaves a big void within Comhaltas but one can easily see the uniform impression he made on everyone all over the world in and out of CCE.  He was a gentleman in every sense of the word and should serve as an inspiration to everyone in the movement.
Paul Keating
CCE North America PRO
Ardchomhairle Delegate/North America

Loss of a friend and inspirational man.

I have always felt very privileged working with Brian and his colleagues in Comhaltas. He had such a pleasant and gentle manner that it was such a pleasure dealing with him over the years. In between frantic deadlines he always had time for a chat, and went that extra mile to get the job done.

My condolences to his family, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Brians’s family. I spoke with
Brian on the phone many times during
the past few years. He was always helpful
and accomodating in providing many of
the session books and cds for the Boston Irish Music School. His warm personality and talent will be missed by everyone
Tim O’Connell
CCE Boston Irish Music School

Sincere sympathy to Brian’s family from the board and staff of Ceolaras Coleman, Gurteen, Co. Sligo.

I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Brians’s family. I didn’t know Brian that well but everytime we spoke he was very generous, kind and enthusiastic.

A huge loss to Irish Music.

Brian Prior Memorial Mass and Evening

Last Wednesday was a most fitting tribute to Brian, The Musicians and Singers at Mass were wonderful, as was the speech by Bernard Sullivan, he got everything right, I don’t think anyone could have improved on it.

To have two music sessions going at the same time afterwards is a mark of the respect held for Brian by members and staff of Comhaltas alike. 

It was the nicest Months Mind I have ever attended.  I am proud to have known Brian, he was such a kind, gentle and generous person.  He will be missed so much by everyone.

Brian, We will always have you with us as we teach from your wonderful Sessiun Books. What a joy it was for me to work with you at Scoil Eigse. and even more fun to have you work on my Gradam award.  Your passion in life is a shinning example of how to live life to the fullest. Little did I know in August that it would be our last fun time together.