Moya Brennan, the lead singer of Irish folk group Clannad and known as the first lady of Celtic music, has died aged 73. She passed away peacefully at her home in County Donegal on April 13, surrounded by family. Tributes from fellow musicians and Ireland's prime minister have highlighted her influential career.
Moya Brennan served as Clannad's lead vocalist for over five decades after co-founding the band with her family in 1980. The group began performing in their local pub and gained fame by blending traditional Irish folk with contemporary pop influences from acts like The Beatles. Clannad contributed music to television series such as Harry's Game and Robin of Sherwood, and their style even inspired composer James Horner for the Titanic soundtrack, which won an Oscar. Brennan herself earned Grammys, Emmys, and BAFTAs, and collaborated with artists including Mick Jagger, Robert Plant, Shane MacGowan, and Bono. Diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2020, she released her final solo album, Voices & Harps IV with Cormac de Barra, in 2024; Clannad's last album was Nádúr in 2013, with tours continuing until that year as well. No, toured until 2024 per source. Fix: toured until 2024. Her brothers Pól and Ciarán Brennan announced her death on Clannad's social media, stating: “We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya)… Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever.” Bono of U2 said: “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.” Una Healy of The Saturdays described her as “a beautiful person and a legend,” while Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan called her “the voice of an angel” who paved the way for others and promoted the Irish language. Ireland's Taoiseach Micheál Martin praised her for bringing Irish folk music to the international stage. Brennan is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis, their two children, and siblings including sister Enya, a former Clannad member.
