Irish supergroup Clannad have thanked their parents and extended family for giving them a “musical and artistic playground” as they received the Freedom of their native Donegal.
The group, formed more than 50 years ago in 1970 in their native Gaoth Dobhair, have toured the world playing to millions of fans and sold tens of millions of records.
Surrounded by family, friends and fans, the three remaining members of the band said this was a very special award because it came from their own people.
Speaking on behalf of the band including brother Ciaran and sister Moya as they received the award at County House in Lifford, Pól Brennan said their parents Leo and Marie ‘Baba’ must have known that music would be their way of life from an early age.
He said “I just wanted to say that I believe that Leo and Baba bestowed in us as people growing up and what they gave us and what we handed on to our children and what we’re most proud of.
Pictured from left are Michael McGarvey,, Director of Water & Enviorment, Pól Brennan, Cllr. Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Ciaran Brennan, Máire Brennan, Ciaran Brennan, John McLaughlin, CE Donegal County Council and Cllr. Micheal Colm Mac Giolla Esbuig.
Photo Clive Wasson
“Because it is just the thing that has held us together, has allowed us to compose music, to travel the world and to have this vision back in the day when Leo and Bab would send us to Falcarragh or Derry.
“Nobody knew but they must have known. Something told them to do this and to spend time and to instil and to encourage it (the music) and it’s huge.”
“Growing up it was just like a musical, artistic playground and we were born into it and that’s what I believe sums up why we are here today.”
The occasion was tinged with sadness by the absence of two of the founding members of the band, brothers Pádraig and Noel Duggan who have since sadly passed away.
There was a moment of reflection at the start of the ceremony for both.
Pól, Máire and Ciaran Brennan performing after the award ceremony. Photo Clive Wasson
The award was made to the band in recognition of Clannad’s enormous contribution to our culture, the promotion of the Irish Language and traditional Irish music both nationally and internationally.
Clannad are just the twelfth recipient of the honour and follow in the footsteps of other well-known names who have been bestowed with the same honour including singer Daniel O’Donnell, soccer stars Shay Given and Seamus Coleman, composer Phil Coulter and golfer Paul McGinley.
Unlike those receiving the Freedom of Dublin, Clannad will not be able to graze their sheep on St. Stephen’s Green.
Pól, Máire, and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. Photo Clive Wasson
A spokesperson for Donegal County Council said the Freedom of Donegal does not come with any ‘ancient quirks.”
Members of the band did receive mementos of the occasion commissioned by the Council.
These included a scroll and a badge, crafted by Ms. Geraldine Hannigan, Designer Goldsmith from Letterkenny, is mounted and framed and is a silver replication of the County Badge granted to the County Council by the Chief Herald of Ireland as part of a Granting of Arms to the county.
The badge features the O’Donnell Cross on a Lunula. The Lunula on which it is based was discovered at Trentagh in Co. Donegal and dates to the period 15 -2000BC and is on display in the National Museum.
Clannad also received individual lapel pins which are reserved exclusively for those on whom the Freedom of Donegal is conferred.
The band were also presented with a painting of the iconic ‘Bád Eddie’ by artist Norman Gibson.
Speaking at the event this evening Cathaoirlaech, Cllr Martin Harley, said: “There is no doubt you have had an illustrious career and have been wonderful ambassadors not only for Donegal but for the entire island of Ireland.
“Being well known on the global arena you have never forgotten your family roots and continue to support and develop our culture and safeguarding traditional Irish music for generations to come.
Máire, Pól and Ciaran Brennan of Clannad accepted the award in a ceremony hosted by An Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Harley in the presence of elected members, council staff and invited guests. Pictured the packed council chamber. Photo Clive Wasson
“On behalf of myself as Cathaoirleach and the elected members of Donegal County Council congratulations on receiving the Freedom of County Donegal the highest award this Council can bestow and we wish you the very best in all your future endeavours.”
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin said: “It is truly an honour on behalf of the management and staff of Donegal County Council to host this reception to convey the Freedom of the County of Donegal on you today which is our way of showing our gratitude for all you have achieved.”
The band were also congratulated by Councillor Micheal Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig who nominated Clannad for the award and who was seconded by the late Councillor Noreen McGarvey.
Councillor Anthony Molloy, Councillor John Shéamuis Ó Fearraigh and Councillor John McGuinness also paid tribute to the band on behalf of the main political parties in Donegal.
Others who were present at the reception and also paid tribute to Clannad included Councillor Ciaran Brogan and former TD, Minister and MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher.
And for those who were lucky enough to be there, the remaining three members of the band performed an a cappella version of ‘Dilín ó Deamhas’ to bring an end to what was a magical day for this very unique group of musicians, their family, friends and fans.
Pictured arriving at County house Lifford with from left Michael McGarvey, Director of Water & Enviorment, Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach Donegal County Council, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Pól Brennan, John McLaughlin, CE Donegal County Council and Cllr. Micheal Colm Mac Giolla Esbuig.
Photo Clive Wasson
