Proprietor Bartley Brennan shows off the new photos on display at Leo’s Tavern, Meenaleck.
BY SEÁN P. FEENY
IN THE last couple of weeks one of Donegal and Ireland’s most famous pubs has turned its walls into what can only be described as a true Wall Of Fame.
Known world-wide as the home of Clannad and Enya, Leo’s Tavern in Meenaleck has proudly displayed the family’s silver, gold and platinum accolades for decades.
There have always been some photos on display over the years, including a picture of Clannad with Only Fools and Horses star David Jason at the BAFTAs, the year the band won the prestigious award for the theme music to Robin of Sherwood in 1984.
But now the walls are filled with pictures of the well-known faces the Brennans and Duggans have met over the years, many of whom are close friends of the family and have of course visited Leo’s Tavern.
Proprietor, Bartley Brennan said he had planned to put up the photographs for quite some time.
“It’s one of those things you always meant to get around to doing and I am delighted we’ve finally done it.”
The pictures date from the early days of Leo Brennan and the Slieve Foy Band playing in the Gresham Hall in London to the present day and some of the stars such as Glen Hansard and Mundy whom have paid a visit to Leo’s Tavern.
Bartley said: “There were so many photographs, the majority of which have never been seen before by members of the public featuring everyone from PaulBrady, Shane MacGowan, Terry Wogan to U2.”
One of the most iconic ‘new’ photos on display is of the Self Aif benefit concert which was held in Dublin on May 17, 1986 and featured some of the country’s biggest stars.
“It’s a wonderful candid picture featuring Moya, Bono, Bob Geldof and Chris de Burgh as they are singing together on stage,” said Bartley.
The many tourists who have visited the pub in recent weeks have taken great interest in the pictures.
“There is an old record sleeve of single by John Kerr and the Four Strangers, featuring my father Leo, hanging on the wall and while one couple was able to tell us the song Mulroy Bay was recorded in a Monaghan studio, a few days later the daughter of the late studio owner happened to visit Leo’s.”
Bartley said Leo himself has been down recently to see the walls. “He was very pleased with how it turned out and of course it brought back a lot of great memories,” he said.
