The local communities were saddened to hear of the death on Saturday night, May 6, peacefully, in his residence surrounded by his family of Brian Breslin, of Crockanne, Lisnaskea.

Brian was born on May 19, 1931, the oldest of a family of three children, one girl and two boys, to Brian and Lizzie Ann Breslin formerly of Eshawilligan, Roslea.

Brian received his early education at Mullinvam Primary School. From an early age Brian was steeped in traditional music as he listened to his father and neighbours play.

Brian met and married his wife Elizabeth formerly McGrory from Eshbane, Lisnaskea. They lived together happily for 62 years until July 20, 2013 when Elizabeth sadly died. They had five children together.

Brian commenced employment at an early age with his father in the local Council. Then he moved on to work with P. Clarke and Sons.

From there he joined the Forest Service where he remained for a number of years, proving his skill and proficiency with a variety of machinery. 

After taking early retirement from the Forest Service he returned to P. Clarke and Sons where he drove a lorry up until recent years.

Brian worked extremely hard on the small family farm at Crockanne. He worked hard all week to ensure enjoyment at the weekends. He was a member of the Pride of Erne Ceili band. This together with band members took him around Ireland where he played at Fleadhs and concerts. 

He maintained his love of traditional music and was a very avid fiddle player, picking up tunes quickly by ear and playing them in his own distinctive style. He loved the sessions and the craic and would travel long distances to attend.

Brian was very proud of his grandchildren and their love of traditional music. He nurtured this great love and ability.

Brian was a very religious and humble man who prayed regularly and attended morning mass up until his illness denied him the strength to attend. 

He was very generous to the Church and supported many religious orders and communities.

Brian was blessed with a long, healthy and active life. It was only in later months that he had to surrender to sickness and as his health failed him and he was admitted to the South West Acute hospital where his diagnosis was terminal.

He was transferred home to spend the final weeks of his life surrounded and supported by family.

He was cared for at home with love and dignity by his family supported greatly by the local District nursing team, the palliative care team, the Marie Curie nurses and by the doctors of the surgery in Brookeborough Health Clinic whom he attended.

Without the help and support of these wonderful people Brian’s stay at home might have proven more difficult.

He was spiritually comforted and supported along his journey by Canon Mullin who was very attentive to Brian in his final days. It was shortly after his visit and anointing that Brian passed away peacefully on the evening of May 6, 2017.

Brian’s remains remained at his home at Crockanne until his funeral on Tuesday morning. During this time the house was filled with people from all over coming to pay their respects to a neighbour, a friend, a colleague and a man who made such an impact on people through his talent of music. 

The very well attended funeral mass took place at 11.00 a.m. in Holy Cross Church, Lisnaskea. The mass was celebrated by Fr Kevin Duffy C.C and concelebrated by Fr John Kearns C.C. 

Fr Duffy in his homily paid a moving tribute to Brian using the analogy of the Master’s Hand; Tying his life and his music. Prayers and readings were performed by Brian’s family.

The music in the Chapel was wonderfully presented by Brian’s grandchildren. Brian’s remains were interred next to Elizabeth in the local graveyard. 

After the burial at the graveside the family paid a poignant and moving tribute to Brian through music; they were later joined by musicians from all around Ireland and this session was continued in the Donn Carragh Hotel where everyone was welcomed for refreshments.

Brian was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth and by his brother James Thomas.

He is survived by his stepson Sean (Mary) Donagh, sons Francie and family, Brian (Mary) Magheraveely, Tommy and family and by his daughters Ann (Vincent) Doon, and Marie (Hughie) Carnmore.

He also leaves his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Annie, his nieces and nephews and large family circle.

The funeral arrangements were carried out very professionally by Paul Mohan, Corranny.