Moya Brennan: 'Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever'
The 73-year-old Moya Brennan, best known as the lead singer of Clannad, passed away, surrounded by her loving family on Monday and fellow Donegal icons Daniel O’Donnell and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh led the tributes
The surviving members of Clannad, Pól and Ciarán Brennan, say they are “completely heartbroken” at the passing of Moya Brennan, the iconic band’s lead singer.
The 73-year-old, best known for her lead role with Clannad, passed away in Gweedore, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday.
The Grammy and Emmy winning musician was known as the First Lady of Celtic Music, her distinctive and haunting voice rising to global acclaim.
“We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya),” a statement from her brothers Pól and Ciarán said.
“She crossed over last night at home in Donegal surrounded by family and has now joined Pádraig & Noel across the veil. Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever."
Tributes have been pouring in following her death.
U2 frontman Bono said: “She walked through this world like an angel, and now she’s back with her own kind... We love you Moya.”
Moya’s fellow Donegal music legends Daniel O’Donnell and Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh led the tributes early on Tuesday.
Daniel has told how Moya was “Donegal inside and out”.
Moya Brennan performing with Daniel O'Donnell and his wife, Majella
Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan said she was heartbroken at the passing of another Gaoth Dobhair icon. Accompanied by a video of her and Moya performing together, she wrote: “Croí bhriste i do dhiaidh. Máire an guth bhinn.”
Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty, who also hails from Gaoth Dobhair, recalled how Moya was “proud of her roots”.
“A powerful ambassador for Ireland - she took our music, language and culture and shared it with the world,” Deputy Doherty said.
“Moya gave so much to Ireland and its people. Known as the First Lady of Celtic music, her songs and stories shaped so many lives and will always be cherished.”
Taoiseach Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin said she had “an iconic Irish voice”.
He said: “Along with her Clannad bandmates, Moya brought Irish folk music to the international stage. Deepest sympathies to Moya’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Simon Harris, the Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader, has said that Moya was “a musical icon with a unique voice of extraordinary beauty”.
He said: “She went from Gweedore to global renown with Clannad, bringing Irish music to the international audience.
“Her loss will be deeply felt throughout the music and arts communities, and far beyond.”
Irish singer and politician Frances Black described her as “one of the most beautiful people I know in the music industry”.
The Independent Senator said: “Moya was not only a wonderful musician and singer, she was a warm, generous and deeply spiritual soul who touched everyone she met.
“Moya gave so much to Irish music and to the world, her voice with Clannad was unlike anything else, a sound rooted in the Donegal Gaeltacht that somehow spoke to millions across the globe. But beyond the music, it was who she was as a human being that will stay with me.”
The Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival shared a tribute to someone they called a “cherished friend and a wonderful supporter”.
“We had the great honour of welcoming her to Dungloe in 2023, where she officially opened the festival with such grace, warmth, and kindness,” they said in a tribute.
“Her generosity knew no bounds. Moya was always willing to support the festival in any way she could, and as recently as last October, she kindly lent her voice to our promotional video - something we will treasure deeply.”