Moya Brennan 'delighted' to be named as Donegal Person of the Year for 2023

Moya Brennan has been named the Donegal Person of the Year for 2023. 

The announcement took place in Rose’s Bar, Creeslough, where the Celtic folk singer, who comes from an exceptionally talented musical family and world-renowned musician, was named as the award winner.

She will be inaugurated as the Donegal Person of the Year 2023 at the Donegal Person of the Year Gala Ball on Saturday, April 6, at The Bonnington Hotel in Dublin. 

“I am so thrilled to be the 2023 Donegal Person of the Year,” Moya said. “To receive such an acknowledgement from my home county is such a huge honour.  I know my fans around the world will be delighted as they know how much this means to me. I always talk about my wonderful Donegal when I am abroad. I know it’s going to be a brilliant night with family and friends on April 6 at the Bonnington Hotel."

President of the Donegal Association Elaine Caffrey said to Moya: "It is an honour and a privilege to present to you tonight the 2023 Donegal Person of the Year, Moya Brennan. The first lady of Celtic Music has had an amazing career which has spanned an incredible six decades and is still going strong. Moya has many fans from all over the world, has sold millions of records and recorded 25 albums. 

“It is very fitting that we are here in Creeslough to announce that Moya is the next Donegal Person of the year, as last January she co-hosted the Together for Creeslough concert with Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh. From the beginning of Moya’s career with her father in the Slieve Foy Band, through her time in Clannad, The Moya Brennan band, and with the many groups she has been a part of and artists she has collaborated with, Moya has never forgotten that she is from just over the road in Gaoth Dobhair and takes every chance she gets to speak about her beloved County Donegal.’

Chairperson of the Donegal Association in Dublin Kevin McFadden said: “We in the Donegal Association Dublin are delighted to be in Creeslough tonight to announce our 2023 Donegal Person of the Year. I'd like to thank Lorcan and the staff in Rose's for hosting us tonight and Majella McFadden in the fantastic Creeslough Hub for the use of the hub this evening. 

“The Committee have once again been very much impressed with the quality and calibre of nominations received this year and have no doubt that there are many worthy Donegal Persons of the Year, but this year it's fitting we are in the home of 'The Girl from Donegal' Bridie Gallagher to announce our 2023 Donegal Person of the Year. A person who has spent a lifetime promoting Donegal by doing what she loves.”

Tickets for the Donegal Person of the Year Gala Ball on Saturday, April 6, at The Bonnington Hotel in Dublin are limited and can be purchased by calling Hugh on 0872554966, Kathleen at 0863774081 or Marian at 0872517225, contacting any committee member or online at the Donegal Association website. There are special rates available from The Bonnington Hotel by calling (01) 837 3544, €140 for a single room and €160 for a double room.