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Singer Enya joins family at father's west Donegal funeral

Eyna with her mother Baba at her father's Leo Brennan's funeral in Gweedore . Photo Brian McDaid.
Eyna with her mother Baba at her father's Leo Brennan's funeral in Gweedore . Photo Brian McDaid. Eyna with her mother Baba at her father's Leo Brennan's funeral in Gweedore . Photo Brian McDaid.

Singing star Enya joined other family members in west Donegal yesterday for the funeral of her father, Leo Brennan.

Mr Brennan, owner of the hugely popular Leo’s Tavern in west Donegal, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 90.

One of the world’s leading recording artists, Enya was joined by her sister Moya Brennan who has also won fame as a singer, performing with stars such as Bono and Van Morrison.

There were emotional scenes as Mr Brennan was carried from St Mary’s Church in Derrybeg, Gweedore to the strains of the Tír Chonaill anthem, “The Homes of Donegal.”

Moya Brennan was earlier joined by her brothers, Ciaran and Pol (with whom she formed folk group Clannad) when they sang the haunting Gaelic air “Eleanor Plunkett” as her father’s coffin sat between a saxophone and accordion in memory of his own fame as a musician.

A member of the popular Slieve Foy showband, Mr Brennan settled near Crolly in west Donegal when he married his wife Baba. His bar soon became a popular attraction due to nightly traditional music sessions.

Mr Brennan’s love of music was further represented by the gifts brought to the altar during the offertory by his grandchildren, including his music books. A pack of cards represented another of his pastimes and his Rosary Beads represented his devotion to his faith.

Among the huge attendance at yesterday’s Requiem Mass were leader of traditional music super-group, Altan, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh as well as former RTE director general, Cathal Goan.

Chief celebrant, Derrybeg parish priest, Dr Pádraig Ó Baoighill told mourners Mr Brennan’s sincerity, decency and patience was a huge attraction for the thousands of tourists who travelled to west Donegal specifically to visit his famous pub.

During Communion, a recording of Mr Brennan himself singing “Danny Boy” during a concert in 2005 was played while his daughter, Moya told mourners her father was an amazing man.

She said he showed kindness, tolerance and love throughout his life.

“We hope we can follow in his footsteps in the way that he would like us to,” the singer said.

At Magheragallon graveyard, Mr Brennan’s coffin was led by a lone piper and, following final prayers, mourners joined in the spontaneous singing of the Gaelic hymn “Bí Íosa I mo chríosa” (Jesus be in my heart).