Music
17 Oct 22

Tributes paid to Noel Duggan, following Clannad founding member's death, aged 73

A Magical Gathering: The Clannad Anthology

"With Clannad, he created a sound infused with the music of his native Donegal and brought it to a national and international audience," Minister Catherine Martin stated, "winning awards and thrilling music lovers around the world."

In a statement shared across their social media platforms yesterday, Clannad announced that one of the their founding members, Noel Duggan, died suddenly in Donegal on Saturday evening. He was 73 years old.

Describing him as their "beloved Uncle" and "trusted friend", the multi-award-winning band went on to state that "Noel will be forever remembered for his outstanding guitar solos, his love of music and his dedication to the band." The post was signed off by Máire (Moya), Ciarán and Pól Brennan.

Clannad were originally formed in 1970, by siblings Ciarán, Pól and Máire and their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan. Pádraig died in 2016, aged 67.

Over the course of their remarkable career, Clannad have sold over 15 million records worldwide, as well as winning a Grammy Award, a BAFTA, an Ivor Novello Award and a Billboard Music Award. In 2020, they released an acclaimed compilation album, In a Lifetime.

The band are set to play their special "farewell to Dublin" show in the 3Arena on Friday, December 9.

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin is among those who have paid tribute to Noel Duggan, following news of his death.

"So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Noel Duggan," she wrote. "With Clannad, he created a sound infused with the music of his native Donegal and brought it to a national and international audience, winning awards and thrilling music lovers around the world. Suaimhneas sioraí go raibh aige."

Singer-songwriter and chairperson of the Irish Music Rights Organisation Eleanor McEvoy also took to Twitter to share her response to "the sad news about Noel Duggan," and send "huge condolences" to Moya Brennan and "all the extended band and family."

She noted that Clannad are "a band that altered the perception of Irish/Celtic music around the globe."

“It is really sad to hear the news of Noel’s death,” Hot Press editor Niall Stokes said. “I saw Clannad play when they really were young whippersnappers – and from the very start their use of voices had a truly magical quality about it. There is no debating the fact that the group changed to course of Irish music, and Noel was an integral part of that marvellous journey, playing rhythm and lead guitar and providing gorgeous harmonies. He also made a lovely album with his twin brother Pádraig, while Clannad were on sabbatical in 2005, on which he demonstrated his unique, understated ability as a songwriter.

"The loss of Noel – who follows his brother Pádraig, who died in 2016 – will be keenly felt across the music community in Ireland, and particularly intensely in Donegal, and among the Brennan and Duggan families. But the part he played in Clannad's extraordinary contribution to Irish music will be with us forever."

See more tributes to Noel Duggan below:

Sorry to hear of the sad passing of Noel Duggan, founding member of Donegal band Clannad. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/vU4a4hiE6g

— Jason Lambert (@jasonlambertSF) October 16, 2022

Very sad to hear the death of Noel Duggan, founder of Clannad alongside Padraig. Moyà, Pol, Ciaran & Enya. Their music formed the backbone on one of my special records ‘Saltwater’ & was lucky enough to work with Moyà Brennan on the song…🙏 RIP

— Chicane // Nick B (@NickChicane) October 17, 2022

Sorry to hear of the death of Clannad’s Noel Duggan at the age of 73.
He was a pal of my late Dad and performed a gorgeous tune at his removal in 2003 in Stillorgan.
May he rest in peace and my sympathies to his family.

— Daniel McConnell (@McConnellDaniel) October 16, 2022