Patron of the arts and Guinness heir Garech Browne

Garech Browne, the Irish arts patron and descendant of brewer 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 yesterday, 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.

“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-greatgreat-grandson of Arthur Guinness.

He lived at Luggala, the home of the Guinness brewing family, for much of his life.

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