Pádraig Duggan was at centre of mesmeric outing at Self Aid in 1986 that I will never forget

Clannad have always been a big band for me.

Growing up in a musical house, their unique and innovative approach to music and vocal harmonies in particular captured my imagination from an early age.

Their mesmeric performance at 1986’s Self Aid concert at a windswept RDS has lingered long in my memory.

As one of six children who all sang, their influence on us was significant.

So, therefore the death of Clannad guitarist Pádraig Duggan meant yesterday was a sad day for those musicians and fans of this group.

As part of the family musical troupe from Gweedore, Co Donegal, Duggan was a musician, songwriter, and a founding member of the Irish Celtic music pioneers.

He died at Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown, leading to a widespread outpouring of sympathy for his family and fellow band members he has left behind.

While many casual acquaintances of Clannad tend to focus in on the iconic voice and image of Moya Brennan, for me the fact that her twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan, were also in the group was fascinating.

The fact they were identical twins merely added to the allure of this band that you would always struggle to define.

As genuine music innovators, Pádraig and the band enjoyed international acclaim for creating the theme songs to the British TV series Harry’s Game and Robin of Sherwood.

But my own association with the Duggans and Clannad goes beyond simple fandom.

Pádraig’s brother Noel and my late father were friendly and were social pals in the Mill House in Kilmacud.

I remember vividly Noel and others packing into our house in Stillorgan playing tunes at Christmas time.

My late father passed away suddenly in December 2003 and it was a genuine treat to have Noel and others play at the removal.

A short time later, in 2005, Noel and Pádraig collaborated to produce the Rubicon album, whose featured guests included their friend Finbar Furey, which I still have to this day and play regularly, such was the impact of the connection.

The brothers also toured Germany with the traditional band Norland Wind before Clannad released Nádúr in 2013.

Given yesterday’s sad news, it is a genuine treat for me to recall his musical achievement.

Once the sad news was confirmed, tributes from the music world poured in to Pádraig.

Moya Brennan posted a moving tribute to her “dear uncle” on social media yesterday afternoon.

“My dear uncle and Clannad member Padraig Duggan passed away peacefully this morning. Rest in peace Pádraig,” she wrote.

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes paid his own warm tribute to Pádraig.

He said: “Pádraig was an essential part of that great adventure, both personally and musically, along with Noel bringing a core solidity and wonderful, nuanced textures to Clannad’s extraordinary, melodic sound. He will be greatly missed.”

Pádraig passed away in Blanchardstown Hospital following a recurring illness.

He is survived by his wife, Jan, and extended family.

May he rest in peace.