Irish musician and Clannad lead singer Moya Brennan has died, aged 73.
The folk star, often hailed as the First Lady of Celtic Music, was best known as part of the Irish family band, which began performing in 1970 and went on to win a Bafta and a Grammy for their traditional albums.
According to RTÉ, Brennan died peacefully on Monday (13 April) while surrounded by family. She is survived by her husband, Tim Jarvis, and their two children, Aisling and Paul.
Brennan shared in 2020 that she had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease characterised by irreversible scarring. The condition affected her breathing and meant that she had to rephrase some of her songs, however, she continued to sing – touring and writing music with Aisling and Paul.
The Irish folk singer, who was born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, grew up in Gweedore – a remote Irish-speaking parish in County Donegal, Ireland. The eldest of nine children, Brennan formed the band Clannad with her brothers, Pól and Ciarán, and their mother’s twin brothers, Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin, in 1970.
They were joined in 1980 by Brennan’s sister Eithne – who left two years later to become international sensation Enya – as well as siblings Brídín and Deirdre.
The group became one of Ireland’s biggest folk exports, becoming known worldwide after creating the theme for ITV’s 1982 drama Harry’s Game, set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The track reached No 5 in the UK Singles Chart that same year and went to number two in Ireland.
They provided the soundtrack for a number of TV series, winning a Bafta Award for Best Television Music in 1984 for ITV’s Robin of Sherwood. Clannad also picked up a Grammy Award for Best New Age Album after releasing Landmarks in 1999, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014 at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Brennan was the band’s lead singer for over 50 years before leaving in 2024, but she also embarked on a successful a solo career during that time, releasing album Máire in 1992.
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She later featured on the soundtrack for 2004 film King Arthur, co-writing the title theme with Hans Zimmer, as well as music for 1997 blockbuster Titanic and Robert Carlyle film To End All Wars (2001). Brennan sold over 20 million records throughout her career and released 25 albums.
Brennan and her family band Clannad are often credited for introducing the Irish language into mainstream music culture, having collaborated with Mick Jagger, Bono and Paul Young among other stars.
Paying tribute to Brennan on BBC Radio Foyle, County Donegal singer Daniel O’Donnell said that she “never forgot her roots”.
“She loved the music, and she loved to see people doing well. Especially in these last few years, she loved giving young singers a chance – that was her focus,” he added.
“Everyone around here loved her, and when you met her, she had a great peace about her.”
