Renowned singer and harpist Moya Brennan, beloved in the world of Celtic music, has passed away at the age of 73 after a brief illness. Moya, often referred to as the “first lady of Celtic music,” was a pivotal member of the Grammy award-winning band Clannad.
Legacy of Moya Brennan
Moya was born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin in Dublin and grew up in Gweedore, County Donegal. She was the eldest of nine children of Máire (Baba) and the late Leo Brennan, the owner of Leo’s Tavern in Crolly. Moya’s siblings include the famous singer Enya, as well as her Clannad bandmates Ciarán and Pól Brennan.
Clannad’s Formation and Success
Clannad was founded in 1970 by Moya, Ciarán, Pól, and their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Duggan. This unique collective helped elevate Irish traditional music on a global stage. Their breakthrough hit, “Theme from Harry’s Game,” broke through the UK music charts in November 1982, reaching number 5 and marking a significant milestone as the first Irish-language song in the UK Top 10.
- Clannad has sold over 15 million records worldwide.
- Moya won her first Grammy in 1999 for the album “Landmarks.”
- She received a total of five Grammy nominations throughout her career.
Moya’s Collaborations
Moya collaborated with many notable musicians, including Shane MacGowan, Bono, and Van Morrison. Her music spanned various genres, blending traditional Celtic sounds with contemporary influences.
Recent Performances and Recognitions
One of her last performances took place in February 2026 at Dublin’s 3Arena. Clannad performed their final show at Royal Albert Hall in October 2024. In 2022, Moya was awarded an honorary doctorate in Philosophy from Dublin City University, recognizing her contributions to the arts.
Honours and Philanthropy
In 2023, she was named the Donegal Person of the Year by the Donegal Association in Dublin. A year later, Moya and her brothers received the Freedom of Donegal from Donegal County Council, honoring their impact on Celtic and New Age music. Moya actively supported emerging artists, offering mentorship and a platform for talented musicians at Clubeo nights in Leo’s Tavern.
Family Life
Moya is survived by her husband, Tim Jarvis, and their two children, Aisling and Paul. Her impact on the music world and her dedication to nurturing future talent will be remembered by many.
