ONE of the founding members of famed Irish traditional group Clannad has died.
Padraig Duggan, 67, passed away at Blanchardstown Hospital in Dublin yesterday (August 9) after suffering a recurring illness.
His niece, and Clannad's lead singer, Moya Brennan confirmed his passing on Twitter.
My dear uncle and Clannad member Padraig Duggan passed away peacefully this morning. Rest in Peace Padraig @ClannadMusic
— Moya Brennan (@moyaclannad) August 9, 2016
Clannad was formed in the early 1970s by Padraig and his twin brother Noel. The brothers used to play in their family pub Leo's Tavern, in Gaoth Dobhair, north-west Donegal.
They were later joined by their nephews Ciarán and Pól, and niece Moya (Máire) Brennan.
Solo singer Enya is also a niece of the brothers, and sang with Clannad for a time in the early 1980s.
The family won the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1973, and began touring Ireland and Europe.
But the big breakthrough for Clannad came in 1982, after they were signed to RCA records, when the band were asked if they would compose the theme song to Harry's Game, the ITV television series set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.
Upon release, the song entered the British music charts at number five. It remains the only hit single in the UK to be sung completely in the Irish language.
In November 1982 Clannad became the only act to perform in Irish on Top of the Pops, when they performed the Harry's Game theme tune.
Since 1973 Clannad has produced 19 albums and won numerous awards, including an Ivor Novello in 1982, a BAFTA in 1984 and a Grammy in 1999.
The group also won a BBC Folk Lifetime achievement award in 2014.
Padraig is to be laid to rest in his native Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal on Thursday, August 11 following a wake at his home in Palmerstown, west Dublin.
He is survived by his wife Jan.
