He was the manager of Clannad<\/a> for several years before leaving the band and forming a partnership with Enya, who wanted to pursue a solo career. <\/p>\n Enya\u2019s work was a collaboration between her, Mr Ryan and his wife Roma, who were all listed as co-writers. <\/p>\n The follow-up album Shepherd Moon was also an international hit. <\/p>\n Together they collaborated on eight albums. Enya\u2019s music underwent a resurgence in the United States after the 9\/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. Uniquely among artists, she never toured or played her music live. <\/p>\n President Michael D Higgins<\/a> described Mr Ryan\u2019s contribution to Enya\u2019s music as \u201cimmense \u2013 underpinning her work with a distinctive sound which has made so much of Enya\u2019s work unique\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cMay I express my deepest condolences to Roma, to their daughters Persia and Ebony, to Enya and to all those with whom Nicky collaborated, and to his many friends and colleagues.\u201d<\/p>\n Hot Press editor Niall Stokes described Mr Ryan as one of Ireland\u2019s \u201call-time greats\u201d. <\/p>\n He added: \u201cI loved Nicky and the great maverick strain that he had in his approach to life and to music. I met him first back when he was the live sound engineer with Planxty<\/a> \u2013 and you could tell from those gigs that he had something special. His attention to detail was amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Enya.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/RAAWGF3CFLLZXZXKHEIE4NO7CA.jpg\")
Enya. Photograph: Alan Betson\/The Irish Times <\/p>\n