‘Brian was born to be different and he was different’

MOURNERS at the funeral of Omagh Country and Western legend, Brian Coll, have heard how he was always capable of turning a setback in his career into a comeback.

Mr Coll, who was aged 79, was laid to rest in Drumragh cemetery following the funeral Mass which took place in the Sacred Heart Church.

Fr Brian D’Arcy was the chief celebrant and told those in attendance and many more watching online how Brian Coll was someone unique and genuis-like.

“Brian Coll was born to be different and he was different,” Fr D’Arcy said.

“Brian might not have had time for everything, but he had time for everybody. He had time for a song, a chat, a story and an opinion about football, music, politics and the world.

“He could see the way the world was going, but it made him more aware of the importance of the moment and life itself.

“He was a man who brought peace, happiness and consolation to those who were mourning. He was a genuis, and someone who was an artist in the truest sense of the word.

“Brian had a different vision of life, a different vision of his own life and a different vision of what life could be. That’s why he could sing country songs so well because they told about life in all its up and downs, joys and sorrows. Brian did not just tell the story, he recognised the story as part of either his own life or those around him.

“That’s what made him – you believed a song that Brian sang. He had that other wonderful gift of loving Irish music and if you have that in you like Brian then it really helps in country music.”