Irish Grammy winner Moya Brennan dies aged 73: Enya’s folk singer sister and Clannad star passes away as tributes pour in for the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’

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Irish Grammy winner Moya Brennan has died at the age of 73, as tributes pour in for the singer.

The singer and harpist died peacefully in Donegal, Ireland, with her family by her side, a family statement confirmed.

Máire Moynihan, the lead singer of the renowned Celtic band Clannad for more than 50 years, has died. She was widely known as the ‘First Lady of Celtic music,’ and fans are sharing tributes following the news.

Oh my gosh, I’m absolutely heartbroken! Our Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, just posted about it too, and it’s just…devastating. He said he’s deeply saddened by the loss of Moya Brennan, and honestly, that’s putting it mildly. She was an iconic Irish voice, a legend! It feels like a piece of Ireland itself is gone. I’m just completely gutted.

Moya Brennan, of the band Clannad, helped introduce Irish folk music to audiences around the world. Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this sad time.

Despite achieving success beyond Ireland, country singer Daniel O’Donnell noted that Moya always remembered where she came from.

He shared with the BBC that she was passionate about music and delighted to see others succeed. In recent years, she especially enjoyed helping young singers launch their careers – that’s what she prioritized.

Being named Donegal Person of the Year two years ago meant a lot to Moya, because recognition from your community is one of the most rewarding things in life, and she definitely received that.

‘Everyone around here loved her, and when you met her, she had a great peace about her.’

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described Moya’s music as deeply moving and inspiring for people both in Ireland and internationally.

She described the artist as a legend of Celtic folk music, praising their amazing voice and talent for perfectly embodying the spirit of Ireland – its language, history, and stories.

Moya’s music was truly captivating and inspiring, deeply moving audiences in Ireland and around the globe.

She captured the beautiful, wild, and inquisitive heart of the Gaelic people. Her music and voice will be remembered always.

Moya is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their children; daughter Aisling and son Paul.

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2026-04-14 12:33