Clannad's Padraig Duggan dies, aged 67

ONE of the founding members of the Irish folk band Clannad has died.

Padraig Duggan of Celtic band Clannad has died. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Padraig Duggan, who played guitar and mandolin with the Grammy award-winning Celtic fusion pioneers, died in a Dublin hospital after a recurring illness.

The band – siblings Ciaran, Pol and Moya Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan – achieved huge international success over their 40-year career.

Their distinctive and haunting sound sold more than ten million albums worldwide.

Noel Duggan, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan and Paul Brennan of Irish group Clannad pose in 1982. (Picture: H. McCarthy/Express/Getty Images

“My dear uncle and Clannad member Padraig Duggan passed away peacefully this morning,” Moya Brennan wrote on Twitter.

“Rest in Peace Padraig.”

Clannad formed in the early 1970s with regular performances at the family’s music pub, Leo’s Tavern, in Gweedore, Co Donegal.

Noel Duggan, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan and Paul Brennan of Irish group Clannad pose in 1982. (Picture: H. McCarthy/Express/Getty Images

Another of the Brennan siblings, Enya, left the group in 1981 to embark on a hugely successful solo career.

Their unique take on traditional Irish songs, coupled with contemporary influences, won them a folk festival competition and a record deal.

Their breakthrough hit Harry’s Game, theme track to the TV series of the same name, came in 1982.

Worldwide acclaim and a global touring schedule followed, with a string of albums and well-known hits including In A Lifetime, with Bono.

Keep up to date with all our sport news on The Scotsman’s Sport page on Facebook

DOWNLOAD THE SCOTSMAN APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY