Clannad founder Noel Duggan has been described as a “beloved uncle and trusted friend” by the band’s members in the wake of his sudden death.
The band was formed in 1970 in Gweedore, Co Donegal by siblings Ciarán, Pól, Enya and Moya Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Pádraig Duggan. Enya left the group in 1981 and became a solo star.
In a statement, Clannad members Moya Brennan, Ciaran Brennan and Pol Brennan - said they were “heartbroken” over his death.
Read More : 'You'll be dead next week' - Irish mum gets stark warning on trip to doctors
“We are heartbroken to share the news that Noel Duggan, our beloved Uncle, trusted friend and founding member of Clannad, died suddenly in Donegal yesterday evening. He was 73 years old.”
“Noel will be forever remembered for his outstanding guitar solos, his love of music and his dedication to the band.
"Tá muid croíbhriste faoi bhás Noel. Uncail, cara, agus ceoltóir iontach. Ar dheis Dé a raibh a h'anam uasal. Máire, Ciarán & Pól RIP - Nollaig Dílís."
It's been reported that 73-year-old Duggan had been out with friends on Saturday when he took ill and suddenly passed away.
It comes in the wake of the passing of Noel’s twin brother Padraig, who died in August, 2016, aged 67.
Moya had just recently performed on the Late Late Show as attribute to the Creeslough victims in Donegal.
Moya and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh performed In My Life in honour of those killed and those affected by the tragedy.
After winning the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1973, Clannad embarked on a busy touring schedule - finding initial success in Europe, especially Germany.
Their music was a blend of Irish traditional songs from their native Donegal and contemporary influences of the day, such as the Beach Boys, The Beatles, the Mamas & Papas and Joni Mitchell.
Their breakthrough came in 1982 when their theme song for the TV mini-series, Harry's Game became an international hit.
Clannad became the first act to perform in the Irish language on BBC's Top of the Pops.
This success was followed by their musical scoring for the highly successful Robin of Sherwood TV series.
The group have won numerous awards including a Grammy, a BAFTA, an Ivor Novello Award and a Billboard Music Award. They have recorded in six different languages and achieved eight UK top 10 albums.
Clannad have been on their In a Lifetime Farewell Tour since early 2020 and are due to play Dublin’s 3 Arena on December 9.
READ NEXT:
Terrified daughter sobbed 'please don't let Mum die' after Dublin shooting
Homeless charity warns that 'people will die' ahead of tough winter
Maura Higgins shares loving tribute to 'dear friend' killed in a motorbike crash
Over €1m raised for families of Creeslough victims as final funerals take place
Irish mother left heartbroken as baby dies after just 39 hours from rare illness
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
