There is heartbreak tonight following the passing of revered singer and harpist Moya Brennan at the age of 73 after a short illness.
Known as the first lady of Celtic music, Moya was the timeless and ethereal voice at the heart of the Grammy award-winning Donegal supergroup Clannad.
Altan’s Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh has led the tributes tonight, sharing a video of her dear friend and writing that she was heartbroken: “Chroí bhriste i do dhiaidh. Máire an guth binn.”
Clannad’s Moya Brennan performing at the Together for Creeslough Concert in 2023. (NW Newspix).
Born as Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, Moya was the eldest of nine children born to Máire (Baba) and the late Leo Brennan of Leo’s Tavern in Crolly. Moya was born in Dublin and raised in Gweedore, and her world-famous siblings include singer and composer Enya, as well as fellow Clannad bandmates Ciarán and Pól.
Clannad was formed in 1970 by Moya, Ciarán and Pól, together with their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan, who have both since passed.
Clannad went on to become one of Ireland’s most successful bands on the international stage. Their breakthrough folk song, Theme from Harry’s Game, reached number 5 in the UK in November 1982 and became the first Irish-language song to reach the UK Top 10. Clannad went on to sell more than 15 million records worldwide.
In 1999, Moya received her first Grammy with Clannad for the 1997 album Landmarks, which won Best New Age Album. Over the years, she received a total of five Grammy nominations in that category.
Over the course of her career, Moya collaborated with a wide range of acclaimed artists, including the late Shane MacGowan, Bono, Chris de Burgh, Robert Plant, Van Morrison and Hans Zimmer.
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One of Moya’s final performances was at Hot Press ‘A History in the Making’ at Dublin’s 3Arena in February 2026.
Clannad’s final billed live show took place at the Royal Albert Hall in London in October 2024. A year later, they came together again for an intimate concert at Leo’s Tavern to mark the 40th anniversary of their iconic album Macalla, in aid of Donegal Cancer Flights.
In 2022, after a career spanning more than 50 years, Moya was conferred with an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from Dublin City University.
Moya was inaugurated as the 2023 Donegal Person of the Year by the Donegal Association Dublin. In 2024, she and her brothers Ciarán and Pól were awarded the Freedom of Donegal by Donegal County Council.
Clannad awarded Freedom of County Donegal – Pól, Máire and Ciarán Brennan performing after the award ceremony in 2024. Photo Clive Wasson
The honours recognised the band’s contribution to Celtic and New Age music, but also Moya’s inspiring role in the lives of countless artists.
She was known for giving the next generation of musicians a start and for her generous mentoring. The Clubeo nights at Leo’s gave emerging talent a platform, while Moya’s hospitality and encouragement were widely renowned.
Moya and her husband, Tim Jarvis, have two children, Aisling and Paul.