THE head of one of Ireland's most significant musical families has died aged 90.
Leo Brennan, who had been unwell for some time, died at his home in west Donegal in the company of his family including his daughters, Enya and Moya. His funeral will take place in Derrybeg on Friday.
One of the world’s top recording artists, Mr Brennan’s daughter, Enya has had a series of top selling albums since her record breaking “Orinocco Flow” in 1988. She also found global fame as composer of the Lord of the Rings film theme May It Be.
Enya’s sister, Moya Brennan and brothers, Ciarán and Pól, along with their uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan found fame as members of the family band, Clannad. Enya also performed with the band before embarking on her solo career.
One of the foremost folk/traditional bands of the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Clannad reached the pinnacle of its success with the performance of the theme to the hugely popular Harry’s Game series in 1982.
Clannad is credited with bringing Irish music to a new world audience. Like Enya, the band also tasted success in the film world, providing music for the 1992, Daniel Day-Lewis blockbuster, The Last of the Mohicans. Moya Brennan went on to perform as a solo artist with Bono, Alan Parsons, Van Morrison and other leading singers.
Mr Brenna’s family bar Leo’s Tavern just outside Crolly in west Donegal is a popular attraction for tourists.
Mr Brennan was a musician and entertainer. He was a member of the Slieve Foy dance band as a singer, accordion and saxophone player. He later used the same skills to entertain at his Donegal bar, often setting off the night’s entertainment with songs accompanied by accordion before leaving the floor to other musicians.
Leo’s Tavern is a landmark bar in west Donegal where visitors often rub shoulders with world famous names visiting the county. Nightly traditional music sessions at the bar - which opened in 1968 - provided the perfect environment for Mr Brennan's children as they honed their musical skills. The bar is now run by Mr Brennan's son, Bartley.
Mr Brennan is survived by his wife, Baba, sons and daughters.
