Moya Brennan, iconic Irish singer and Clannad lead, dies aged 73

Irish Grammy-winning singer Moya Brennan, celebrated as the lead vocalist of Clannad and sister of globally renowned Enya, has passed away at the age of 73 in Donegal, surrounded by her family. Known as the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’, Moya’s career spanned over five decades, during which she helped bring Irish folk music to international prominence. Clannad, which she formed with her brothers and uncles, gained attention after winning the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1973 and achieved mainstream success with hits like ‘Harry’s Game’, performed in Irish on Top of the Pops in 1982. The band earned a BAFTA in 1984 and a Grammy in 1999, concluding their 50th Anniversary Farewell Tour in 2024. Moya also enjoyed a solo career, winning an Emmy in 2011 for her documentary on Irish music and collaborating with artists including Mick Jagger, Bono, and Paul Young. She had been battling pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, and credited her faith with helping her through the illness. Tributes have poured in from figures including U2’s Bono, Andrea Corr, Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin leaders, all praising her remarkable talent, her contributions to Irish culture, and her supportive spirit. Moya leaves behind her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children, Aisling and Paul.