'Moya leaves an exceptional legacy of music': President pays tribute to Moya Brennan

The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, has joined in the tributes to Moya Brennan after the First Lady of Celtic Music passed away on Monday night.

The leader singer of Clannad died at home in Upper Dore, Gweedore, surrounded by her family, following a short illness at the age of 73.

“Moya Brennan was an iconic figure in Irish music, whose wonderful voice and multifaceted skills, including as a writer and instrumentalist, brought Irish music and culture to listeners all over the world,” President Connolly said.

 “From their beginnings playing in their family’s pub, Tábhairne Leo, Clannad were for over 50 years one of the foremost acts in bringing Irish music and the Irish language to a global audience. 

“Both with Clannad and in her solo work and collaborations, Moya leaves an exceptional legacy of music which will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

The President noted how, via Tábhairne Leo, the family pub in Meenaleck, Moya made a significant contribution to the next generation of artists through the hosting of Clubeo in the pub on Friday nights.

“Not only giving young acts an opportunity to perform, but bringing in household names to support them and grow their audience,” the President said.

“Moya also showed great strength in speaking of her own personal experiences and served as an inspiration to so many others, including through her work on so many worthy causes. 

“Her Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards in 2019 and her honouring as Donegal Person of the Year in 2023, as well as her international awards including Grammy and Emmy awards, among many other accolades, were richly deserved.”

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Moya’s funeral will take place on Friday. Funeral Mass will be held at 2pm on Friday, April 17, in St Patrick’s Church, Meenaweal, Crolly, with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery.

Moya’s remains will repose at her home, F92 F8X5, from 1-8pm on Wednesday and Thursday with prayers nightly at 8pm.

The house will be private after prayers and on the morning of the funeral.

Moya was predeceased by her father Leo Brennan, brother Leon Brennan, uncles Noel & Padraig Duggan and aunt Bríd Duggan.

Moya’s death is deeply regretted and she will be sadly missed by her loving husband Tim Jarvis, daughter Aisling (Kayleigh), son Paul (Lara), granddaughter Eden, mother Máire (Baba) Brennan, sisters Deirdre, Enya, Olive and Brídín, brothers Ciarán, Pól and Bartley and her extended family and many friends.

Her death notice has confirmed that donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Donegal Cancer Flights and Services, care of any family member or Kieran Roarty Funeral Director.