'A vibrant, glorious presence' - Tributes paid to iconic musician Ann Ní Mhaonaigh

Hundreds of tributes have poured in from around the world following the death of legendary Donegal musician Ann Ní Mhaonaigh.

Ann Ní Mhaonaigh from Cois Claidigh, Gaoth Dobhair died on Saturday 10th August in Donegal Hospice in Letterkenny surrounded by her loved ones.

Ann, a sister of Altan star Mairead from Gaoth Dobhair, is well known and loved in Irish Traditional Music circles as a beautiful singer and musician.

In November 2020, Ann received the devastating news that she had a large cancerous tumour that had spread to her liver and lymph nodes. She underwent major surgery, a year later, and was told she was free of cancer.

However, two weeks after her fifty-seventh birthday, Ann received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had returned. Her family were told their only option was palliative care and Ann had months to a year left to live.

A previous fundraiser (set up by Ann's daughter Róise) to send the well-known local musician to Mexico for cancer treatment received widespread support from the Donegal public in 2022.

In the GoFundMe page, which received almost €100,000 in support for the musician, Róise wrote how cancer "took away Ann's ability to earn a living".

"We learned the hard way that without enough PRSI contributions, self-employed people cannot claim illness benefits. As a result, last year, Ann was left with little choice but to return to work alongside her chemotherapy which added unnecessary hardship to her healing journey. With her latest diagnosis, she is now unable to work and has no source of income."

Ann is deeply loved and missed by her family; Róise, Catriona, Kitty, Mairéad, Gearóid, Damian, Odhrán, Nia, Ciarán, Ursula & Dermot, along with her wider circle of friends, colleagues & admirers.

Many famous faces were quick to leave heartfelt condolences to the well-loved Donegal talent, with actor Brendan Gleeson leaving a touching trbiute on her death notice.

"So sorry to hear of Ann's passing," Gleeson said. "Such a vibrant, glorious presence. Gleoite, gairmiúil, gléigheal. Buíochas mór, Anna, agus aistear sona chugat".

Cavan chef and television host Neven Maguire added a few words about the wonderful musician in a post online, in which he thanked her "for all your kindness and friendship". 

I’m so sorry to hear of the death of Anna Ní Mhaonaigh had the privilege of working with her on many of my tv shows she was the most beautiful kind hearted caring lady may she rest in peace thank you for all you kindness & friendship pic.twitter.com/fbVeNAOxU4

— Neven Maguire (@nevenmaguire) August 11, 2024

The annual Irish music celebration TradFest also posted a trbiute to the late Ann, offering their "deepest condolences" to her Donegal family.

"Our hearts are with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and the entire Mhaonaigh clann at this time. RIP Anna Ní Mhaonaigh, ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam," TradFest said in the online statement.

Ann's wake will be held in Ionad Pobail Dhún Lúiche (F92 PK22) on Sunday, 11th August from 1:00pm, with a musical celebration to honour Ann beginning at 7:00pm.

Deeply loved by her family; Róise, Catriona, Kitty, Mairéad, Gearóid, Damian, Odhrán, Nia, Ciarán, Ursula & Dermot, along with her wider circle of friends, colleagues & admirers.

Her Funeral Mass will be held in The Sacred Heart Church, Dunlewey at 1pm on Monday 12th August 2024. Removal afterwards for private cremation in Lakelands Crematorium, Cavan.

The funeral can be viewed live on the Kieran Roarty Funeral Director’s Facebook page.