Arts patron and Arthur Guinness descendant Garech Browne dies

Garech Browne, the arts patron and descendant of Arthur Guinness, has died.

Browne (78) was a co-founder of Claddagh Records, which specialises in traditional music, alongside Ivor Browne in 1959.

He also helped form The Chieftains in 1962.

In a statement on Sunday, President Michael D Higgins said Mr Browne’s passing will be heard “with great sadness by all those interested in the performance and recording of Irish music, song and poetry.

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“Living most of his life at Luggala to which he invited many from home and abroad to compose such as Sean O Riada - and so many to hear Irish music ancient and contemporary.

“There he was an encouraging host to composers, harpists, film actors and publishers...He will be deeply missed by his neighbours and friends.”

Browne was the great-great-great-grandson of Arthur Guinness. He lived at Luggala, the famous home of the Guinness brewing family tucked away in the Wicklow mountains, for much of his life.

He became custodian of the estate after his mother Oonagh Guinness’s death in 1970.

The 18th century lodge was placed for sale on the US market with a $30 million price tag last year.