Enya with her mum Baba as the arrive at St Mary’s Chapel for the requim mass of her late father Leo Brennan. (North West Newspix)
There were tears, laughter and the most touching of music as Leo Brennan, the father of Enya and the Clannad clan was laid to rest in West Donegal today.
Mourners turned out under grey skies to say a final farewell to the loving husband, father and grandfather who brought music to the four corners of Donegal during his 90 years.
Young and old alike turned up to listen to the life of the man who spent countless days teaching his children music at the family home.
Parish priest of St Mary’s Church, Derrybeg, Dr. Pádraig Ó Baoighill paid tribute to Leo’s patience and said he never heard him say a cross word about anyone for as long as he had knwon him.
Enya with her mum Baba and members of Clannad at the funeral of their late father Leo at St Mary’s Chapel, Derrybeg. (North West Newspix)
He said that outside of his wife Baba and their family, Leo’s obvious love was music.
Having spent many years as a musician, Leo bought a pub in Meenaleck, Crolly, in 1968 which he simply called Leo’s Tavern.
Fr Ó Baoighill said that long before there was the Wild Atlantic Way, Leo was responsible for bringing busloads of tourists into Donegal and entertaining them for hours on end in his pub.
But he said it was his genuine nature, his patience and his decency for which he will be remembered by many people.
Pat the Cope Gallagher TD and his wife Anne attending the funeral of Leo Brennan at St Mary’s Chapel, Derrybeg. (North West Newspix)
He told the story of a woman who desperately wanted Leo to play at her wedding but he could only fit her in on a different day because he was so busy.
The woman changed her wedding day so that Leo could play at the function.
“It was the first time a musician has decided the day on which a couple got married,” recounted Fr Ó Baoighill to much laughter.
As well as a saxophone and a pain accordion, a picture of Leo in his bar was placed upon his coffin.
Among the offertory gifts brought up to the altar by his grandchildren was a pack of cards to represent his favourite card game, Patience.
Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh attending the funeral of Leo Brennan father of Enya and Clannad. (north West Newspix)
Among those who came to pay their respects was former Director General of RTE Cathal Goan, Deputies Pearse Doherty and Pat the Cope Gallagher and lead singer of Altan Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh.
Tears flowed opened as members of Clannad paid a musical tribute to their late father while a recording of Leo singing ‘Danny Boy’ during a concert in Letterkenny in 2005 also sent a shiver through the congregation.
Daughter and lead singer of Clannad, Moya Brennan thanked everyone who had looked after her father in the final weeks of his life.
Enya with her mum Baba and sister Olive at the funeral of her late father Leo at St Mary’s Chapel, Derrybeg. (North West Newspix)
“He was an amazing, husband, father and grandja. His actions spoke louder than words. With his patience, tolerance and love, he showed so much kindness and we hope that we can follow in his footsteps in the way that he would like us to,” she said.
Printed copies of the words of one of Leo’s favourite songs ‘The Homes of Donegal’ were distributed to mourners who were encouraged to join in.
Local TD Pearse Doherty attending the funeral of the late Leo Brennan at St Mary’s Chapel, Derrybeg. (North West Newspix)
He was led to his final resting place at nearby Magheragallon Cemetery by a lone piper with two floral tributes on either side of his coffin – fitting displaying the words ‘Dad’ and ‘Grandja.’
“The Time Has Come and I must go
I Bid you all adieu
The Open Highway calls me forth
To do the things I do.
I’ll hear your voices call
And please God I’ll soon return unto
The Homes of Donegal.” – The Homes of Donegal.
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