THE MAN WHO passed on his musical talent and knowledge to Enya, Moya Brennan and their Clannad siblings has died.
A popular musician in his own right, Leo Brennan was famous throughout his county of Donegal.
He died today at his Gweedore home, aged 90. He was surrounded by his all of family in his final days.
Leo was born into a showband family and progressed naturally into a career as a musician and entertainer. During the showband era, he was not only a singer but played the accordion and saxophone. When that musical phase – along with its dance halls – disappeared from Ireland, he settled down as a publican in Meenaleck Donegal.
From 1968, Leo’s Tavern became a destination for nightly entertainment with much of the live music being provided by the Brennan family.
Honing their own skills there, his children soon followed in his footsteps with Enya, Moya and Clannad emerging as musical forces.
Leo is survived by his wife Máire ‘Baba’ Brennan and children Moya, Ciarán, Pól, Deirdre, Leon, Enya, Olive, Bartley and Brídín.
His funeral Mass will take place at St Mary’s Chapel in Derrybeg at noon on Friday.
Tributes to the man have been expressed online.
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