Northern Ireland

Freedom of Donegal for traditional supergroup Clannad

The group were given the honour in recognition of more than 50 years in the music industry

Clannad members at the Donegal County Council, County House in Lifford Co-Donegal on Friday where they were awarded the Freedom of Donegal during a civic reception with council reps, family and friends. Include are Moya Brennan with Pol Brennan and Ciaran Brennan. With Martin Harley;chairman and John McLaughlin chief executive of Donegal County Council. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 17-5-2024
Clannad members at the Donegal County Council, County House in Lifford Co-Donegal on Friday where they were awarded the Freedom of Donegal. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN
By Seamus McKinney

Traditional music supergroup, Clannad has been given the freedom of Donegal in recognition of more than 50 years in the industry.

The Grammy and BAFTA award-winning group from west Donegal were presented with the freedom of the county at a ceremony on Friday.

The proposal by Donegal councillor, Micheál Mac Giolla Easbuig, to bestow the honour had received unanimous support.

Clannad members at the Donegal County Council, County House in Lifford Co-Donegal on Friday where they were awarded the Freedom of Donegal during a civic reception with council reps, family and friends. Include are Moya Brennan with Pol Brennan and Ciaran Brennan. With Martin Harley;chairman and John McLaughlin chief executive of Donegal County Council. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 17-5-2024
Clannad members at the Donegal County Council, County House in Lifford on Friday where they were awarded the Freedom of Donegal during a civic reception with council reps, family and friends. IncludeD are Moya Brennan, Pol Brennan and Ciaran Brennan with Martin Harley;chairman and John McLaughlin chief executive of Donegal County Council. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN

Formed in 1970 by Moya Brennan and her brothers, Ciarán and Pól along with their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan, Clannad went onto become one of the most successful ever Irish bands on the international stage.

The group also featured the Brennan’s sister, international recording star, Enya for a brief period.

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From their folk traditions, developed at the family’s ‘Leo’s Tavern’ at Crolly, they expanded their appeal through rock, Celtic and New Age music.

The band had a number of hits, including the ‘Theme from Harry’s Game’, the theme from Hollywood movie, ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ and ‘In a Lifetime’ released along with U2′s Bono.