MUSICIAN, SONGWRITER AND founding member of the Celtic Irish music band Clannad has died, aged 67.

Padraig Duggan is believed to have passed away peacefully this morning, according to his niece, singer Moya Brennan.

The traditional Irish family music group was founded by Padraig and his twin brother, Noel in the 1970s.

The family group also included Moya, Ciaran and Pol Brennan.

Their younger sister, Enya, was also in the band for a time, playing piano and harmony vocals.

She worked on two albums with them before going on to establish her own successful solo career.

Clannad with their Lifetime Achievement award at the 2007 Meteor Music Awards at Dublin's Point Theatre in 2007. PA Archive / Press Association Images PA Archive / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

In the 1970s, the group began touring around the north west of Ireland. However, since then, the group has released 18 albums and toured extensively throughout Europe.

The Irish musicians have won many awards over the years, including a Grammy, a BAFTA and an Ivor Novello Award.

Posting on the band’s Facebook page, the group said:

Following a recurring illness, Pádraig passed away in Blanchardstown Hospital, Dublin and is survived by his wife Jan.

Things will never be the same ……We will miss him dearly

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Ánam

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