Moya Brennan, lead singer of Clannad, has died aged 73 at her home in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully on Tuesday 14 April 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Brennan, widely known as the “first lady of Celtic music”, had been living with pulmonary fibrosis in recent years. Her death brings to a close a career spanning more than five decades, during which Clannad sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
Clannad’s rise and global breakthrough
Formed in 1970 alongside her brothers Pól Brennan and Ciarán Brennan, and uncles Noel Ó Dúgáin and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin, Clannad became one of Ireland’s most influential musical exports.
The group achieved international recognition with the theme for Harry’s Game in 1982, which became the first Irish-language song performed on Top of the Pops. They also gained wider audiences through soundtrack work including Robin of Sherwood.
Solo career and collaborations
Beyond Clannad, Brennan launched a solo career with her 1992 album Máire and went on to collaborate with major international artists including Bono, Robert Plant and Bruce Hornsby.
Her voice, rooted in traditional Irish music and the Gaelic language, helped bring Celtic music to a global audience.
Awards and recognition
Brennan’s career was recognised with multiple honours, including a Grammy Award in 1999, a BAFTA in 1984 and an Emmy Award in 2011 for Music of Ireland. In 2019, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from RTÉ Radio 1, presented by Michael D Higgins.
Legacy and final years
Brennan remained active in music into later life, performing her farewell concert with Clannad in Dublin in 2023.
She is survived by her husband, photographer Tim Jarvis, and their two children.
Her voice, rooted in Irish tradition yet globally influential, leaves a lasting mark on folk and contemporary music alike.
