Moya Brennan, ‘first lady of Celtic music’ and Clannad singer, dies aged 73
An Irish music icon has died at 73, with her sister Enya and U2’s Bono leading tributes to a woman who brought Celtic music to the world.
Irish music legends Enya and Bono have led the outpouring of tributes to Clannad lead singer Moya Brennan, who has died at 73.
Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, the revered singer and harpist fronted the family band for more than 50 years and was hailed as the “first lady of Celtic music” taking the sound of Ireland to the world.
The eldest of nine siblings, Brennan revealed in 2020 she had been diagnosed with the chronic disease pulmonary fibrosis and faced the possibility of a double lung transplant.
A decade after she formed Clannad with her brothers in 1970, Brennan brought her younger sister Enya into the Irish folk band, before she later launched her wildly successful solo career.
Irish legends Clannad with lead singer Moya Brennan (second from right). Picture: Anton Corbijn / Supplied
“It is with a deep and terrible sadness that I must announce the death of my beloved sister, Máire,” Enya posted on Facebook.
“Not only was she my sister, she was a dear and close friend. I would ask for privacy at the time.”
Her heartbroken brothers Pól and Ciarán, who formed the band with Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Pádraig Duggan, playing in their parents’ pub Leo’s Tavern, broke the news of their sister’s death.
She was the sister to Irish music superstar Enya.
“We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya). She crossed over last night at home in Donegal surrounded by family and has now joined Pádraig & Noel across the veil,” the brothers wrote.
“Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever.”
Brennan was hailed as the first lady of Celtic music. Picture: Supplied.
Clannad broke out of Ireland as they found fame in the early 1980s with the themes for popular TV series including Harry’s Game, set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and Robin of Sherwood.
A new generation discovered her ethereal, crystalline voice via hr collaboration with electronic producer Chicane on the global hit Saltwater, released in 1999.
Brennan’s voice also featured on the soundtracks of films such as King Arthur in 2004.
She collaborated with dozens of artists including Mick Jagger, Robert Plant and Bono, who sang with her on the Clannad track ‘In A Lifetime’.
Clannad took Irish folk music to the world. Picture: Supplied.
“Otherworldly voice. She sang like an angel. She walked through this world like an angel, and now she’s back with her own kind. We love you, Moya,” Bono posted on the band’s social media channels.
Andrea Corr, the singer with another famed Irish family band, also paid tribute to the adored vocalist.
‘The most beautiful voice and spirit … A blessing to have had time with you. Dear Moya. Rest in peace. Praying for your beloved family and friends’ comfort,” she wrote.
Brennan joined her brothers for Clannad’s In A Lifetime farewell theatre tour of Australia in 2023.
The Irish legend is survived by her husband, Tim Jarvis, their two children, and her siblings
