A PROPOSAL to award Clannad with the ‘Freedom of the County’ has been unanimously supported.
The motion submitted by Cllr Micheál Cholm Mac Giolla Easbuig called for the award to recognise Clannad’s ‘enormous contribution to our culture.’
Speaking at the recent Council meeting, Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said the honour would be significant this year as the Grammy award winning band recently played their final show in Ireland after 50 successful years in music.
The motion, which was seconded by Noreen McGarvey, was supported by all of the councillors.
Cllr McGarvey said Clannad have been a highly influential group through their promotion of Irish language, culture and heritage through their passion for music.
“Moya Brennan has continued to nurture this great passion through the youth in West Donegal where she is a mentor to up and coming musicians in particular,
“Always giving back to where it all started for her and Clannad.
“I would be delighted to see such recognition bestowed upon Clannad for their long established record in the music industry and what they have done for Donegal,” said Cllr McGarvey.
The Honorary Freedom of the County is the highest civic honour that can be bestowed upon an individual by Donegal County Council.
The honour is reserved for those who have made exceptional or unique contributions to the common good or to persons who have made outstanding contributions to the county.
Clannad were formed in 1970 in Gaoth Dobhair by siblings Ciarán, Pól and Moya Brennan and their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan.
They enjoyed various genres of music down through the decades including traditional Irish, folk, rock, Celtic and new-age music. The band’s breakthrough came in the early ‘80s when their theme song for the Yorkshire TV mini-series, ‘Harry’s Game’ became a huge success in several countries.
Arrangements will be made to hold a reception for Clannad to present the honour.
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