A Legacy of Celtic Music
Moya Brennan, the Grammy and Emmy award-winning singer and harpist, has passed away at the age of 73. She is widely recognized for her pivotal role in bringing Celtic music to the mainstream. Brennan was a founding member of Clannad, an Irish folk band that produced iconic hits such as Theme from Harry’s Game and I Will Find You.
Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, Brennan was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease, in 2020. Her family announced on Tuesday (AEST) that she passed away peacefully in her hometown in County Donegal, surrounded by loved ones. Her brothers and fellow Clannad members, Pól and Ciarán, expressed their grief on Facebook, stating, “We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya). She … has now joined Pádraig and Noel [Brennan’s uncles] across the veil. Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever.”
Known as the “first lady of Celtic music,” Brennan played a key role in modernizing the genre by blending the Irish language with contemporary pop melodies. Alongside her family, she formed Clannad in 1970, and the group went on to collaborate with notable artists such as Mick Jagger, Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Shane MacGowan of The Pogues, and Bono. Their work earned them multiple Grammys and BAFTAs, and their music featured in films and television series like Harry’s Game, Robin of Sherwood, and The Last of the Mohicans. Although they did not compose the music for Titanic, many believe its score, created by James Horner, was influenced by Clannad’s distinctive sound.
The original lineup of Clannad included Brennan, her brothers Pól and Ciarán, and their twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin. They performed in local pubs and later at festivals like the Slógadh Youth Festival. Brennan’s sister joined the group in the 1980s but later left to pursue a successful solo career as Enya, the best-selling solo Irish artist in history.
Despite rarely being active on social media, Enya shared the news of her sister’s death on Facebook, expressing deep sorrow: “It is with a deep and terrible sadness that I must announce the death of my beloved sister, Máire. Not only was she my sister, she was a dear and close friend. I would ask for privacy at this time.” Bono, frontman of U2, also paid tribute, calling Brennan’s voice “otherworldly” and remembering her as “an angel.”
Una Healy of The Saturdays shared a photo of herself with Brennan on Instagram, describing her as “Ireland’s first lady of Celtic music.” She recalled meeting and singing with Brennan on several occasions, calling her “a beautiful person and a legend.” Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan spoke about how Brennan helped pave the way for musicians like herself, calling her a hero. “The amount of people who have gotten interested in the Irish language because of her voice; her unique, delicate voice,” Ní Mhaonaigh said. “She also had this delicacy in her as a person. She was uasal [noble] but she was also so strong.”
Ireland’s Prime Minister Micheál Martin praised Brennan on Instagram, calling her an “iconic Irish voice” and applauding her and Clannad for bringing Irish folk music to the international stage. English DJ Chicane, who collaborated with Brennan on the 2000 track Saltwater, described their music as some of “the most emotive” he has ever heard.
Clannad continued touring until 2024, releasing 13 albums, including Nádúr in 2013. Brennan began her solo career in 1992 with the album Máire and continued working on solo projects until 2024, when she released Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra. She is survived by her husband, British photographer Tim Jarvis, their two children, and her siblings, including Enya.
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