THE members of Irish folk group Clannad have said they are "heartbroken" by the sudden death of their founding member and uncle Noel Duggan.
The 73-year-old guitarist had been socialising with friends in west Donegal on Saturday evening when he fell ill and died.
Originally from Gaoth Dobhair, Noel Duggan founded Clannad in 1970 with his late twin brother Pádraig, who died in 2016, and their niece and nephews Máire (Moya), Ciarán and Pól Brennan.
In a message posted on the band's Facebook page on Sunday, the three Brennan siblings said: "We are heartbroken to share the news that Noel Duggan, our beloved uncle, trusted friend, and founding member of Clannad, died suddenly in Donegal yesterday evening.
"He was 73 years old. Noel will be forever remembered for his outstanding guitar solos, his love of music and his dedication to the band."
Along with his twin, Noel Duggan grew up in Gaoth Dobhiar as the youngest of six children.
Their older sister Máire later married Leo Brennan, who in 1968 opened Leo's Tavern in Meenaleck, which became a focal point for music and culture in the Gaeltacht.
It's understood the Clannad guitarist was still living in the Gaeltacht, with a home in nearby Loch an lúir.
Clannad was already a successful touring international band when their 1982 single Theme from Harry's Game, broke into the charts and catapulted them to global recognition.
The band briefly became a six-piece in 1980, by the addition of a fourth Brennan sibling, Enya, who left to pursue a hugely successful solo career.
Clannad went on a hiatus after recording the 1997 Landmarks album, which secured the group its first Grammy Award in 1999.
The group reformed in 2007 and performed as both a four and five piece line-up, with Noel Duggan a constant on guitar.
The band was still performing as recently as August and was preparing for a December concert in Dublin's 3 Arena as part of its Farewell Tour.
Among the tributes on Sunday, Irish singer-songwriter Eleanor McAvoy said Noel Duggan and Clannad had "altered the perception of Irish/Celtic music around the globe".