Leo Brennan, father of Enya and Clannad musicians, dies

Musician spent much of his life on the road with the Slieve Foy Dance Band

A video from 2008 of musician Leo Brennan from celebrating the 40th Anniversary of  Leo’s Tavern. Screengrab: Youtube
A video from 2008 of musician Leo Brennan from celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Leo’s Tavern. Screengrab: Youtube

The musician Leo Brennan, who was the father of Enya and members of Clannad, has died.

Mr Brennan, who was aged 90, had been ill for some time and died at home in Gweedore, Co Donegal on Wednesday.

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

After the showband era he set up a small pub in Meenaleck, Co Donegal called 'Leo's Tavern'.

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Four of his children later formed Clannad. This group had a series of hits including The Theme from Harrys Game.

Enya left this group to embark on a highly successful solo career selling an estimated seventy five million records.

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

His funeral will take place at St Mary's Chapel, Derrybeg, Co Donegal on Friday.