Leo Brennan, father of Enya and Clannad members, dies, aged 90

Leo Brennan, the father of international entertainers Enya and Clannad, died at his home in Gweedore, Co Donegal, yesterday.

Mr Brennan, who was aged 90 and in ill health, was surrounded by his family, including daughters Enya and Moya, when he passed away.

He is survived by his wife, Máire ‘Baba’ Brennan and nine children — Moya, Ciarán, Pól, Deirdre, Leon, Enya, Olive, Bartley, and Brídín.

Mr Brennan was born into a showband family and spent much of his life on the road with the Slieve Foy Dance Band, singing and playing accordion and saxophone.

At the end of the showband era in 1968, he opened a small pub with a stage called Leo’s Tavern in Meenaleck, Donegal. The pub soon became an entertainment hot-spot, with members of the Brennan family able to perform there and follow in their father’s footsteps.

All of the family can sing and play one or more instruments. They were no doubt helped by their mother, a music teacher.

Four of Mr Brennan’s children formed Clannad in 1970, playing a leading role in putting Irish trad music and language on the world stage and paving the way for many other Irish artists.

The group had a string of hits, including the ‘Theme from Harry’s Game’ and also recorded Legend, the soundtrack of the Robin of Sherwood television series.

Clannad is composed of siblings Moya, Ciarán, and Pól Brennan, and twin uncles, Noel and Padraig Duggan. Enya had been a member, but left the group in 1981 to pursue a solo career, selling an estimated 75m records. She has sung in 10 languages. The Sunday Times Rich List put her in 28th position in its table of the wealthiest artists in Britain and Ireland this year.

Over the years, Leo’s Tavern has become a musical mecca with many famous artists, including Bono and Paul Brady, joining the regular jamming sessions.

Fianna Fáil TD Pat the Cope Gallager, described Mr Brennan as a “gentleman” who would be missed in local and cultural circles.

Mr Brennan’s funeral Mass takes place tomorrow at St Mary’s Chapel in Derrybeg, with burial in Maghergallon Cemetery.