Leo Brennan, Father of Clannad members & Enya Has Died

Leo Brennan, musician, entertainer, and father of the hugely talented family which includes the international talents of Clannad and Enya, has died today, aged 90, at his home in Gweedore, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

All of the family have been with him in his final days. The wider Irish musical community are mourning the passing of a man who dedicated his life to creating happiness with his songs and his playing.

Leo Brennan was born into a showband family. He spent much of his life on the road with the Slieve Foy Dance Band, playing accordion and saxophone, and contributing also as a singer. When the showband era finished, and with the demise of the dance halls that had flourished all over Ireland, Leo set up a small pub, Leo's Tavern, in Meenaleck, Donegal in 1968 to continue his work as a musician and entertainer.

Leo's Tavern, as it became known, went on to become a famous place of nightly entertainment. But, significantly, it also provided a live stage on which all the members of the Brennan family were able to learn the musician’s trade, to perform and ultimately to follow in their father's footsteps. Those musical adventures have given the world some of the most enchanting Irish music of the past 50 years.

Over the years the pub has hosted a long list of famous names from stage and screen. The musical tradition has continued to this day and is an important focus of tourist interest in the the North West of Ireland.

Leo is survived by his wife Máire 'Baba’ Brennan. His peaceful passing is also mourned by his children: Moya, Ciarán, Pól, Deirdre, Leon, Enya, Olive, Bartley and Brídín.

The funeral will take place at St Mary's Chapel, Derrybeg, Co Donegal at 12 noon, on Friday June 24th.