'An iconic figure' - Tributes paid following death of Clannad member Moya Brennan

Tributes have been paid to Moya Brennan after her death at 73.

The musician and songwriter played the harp with Irish folk band Clannad, the Grammy award-winning Celtic fusion pioneers.

A family statement issued to the media said she died peacefully “surrounded by loved ones”.

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The band – siblings Ciaran, Pol and Moya Brennan and their twin uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan – achieved huge international success over their 40-year career.

Their distinctive and haunting sound has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide and Moya Brennan later had a solo career.

Moya Brennan on harp with Chika Usami and Mairead Ni Mhaonaigh 

Clannad formed in the early 1970s with regular performances at the family’s music pub, Leo’s Tavern, in Gweedore, Co Donegal.

Another of the Brennan siblings, Enya, left the group in 1981 to embark on a hugely successful solo career.

Their unique take on traditional Irish songs, coupled with influences from The Beatles to the Beach Boys, won them a folk festival competition and a record deal.

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Their breakthrough hit Harry’s Game, theme track to the TV series of the same name, came in 1982.

Worldwide acclaim and a global touring schedule followed, with a string of albums and well-known hits including In A Lifetime, with Bono.

Clannad reformed in 2011, with three comeback performances at Dublin’s Christ Church Cathedral, before recording a new album and touring Europe.

They picked up a lifetime achievement award at BBC Radio 2’s Folk Awards in 2014.

Her musical night, Clubeo -an open stage for local musicians in her family pub Leo’s Tavern – was described as her proudest endeavour.

The President of Ireland described Brennan as “an iconic figure”, whose “wonderful voice and multifaceted skills” brought Irish music and culture to listeners all over the world.

Catherine Connolly said: “Moya leaves an exceptional legacy of music which will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

She added: “May I extend my deepest sympathies to Moya’s husband, Tim Jarvis, to her children Aisling and Paul, to her wider family, so many of whom have made such an important contribution to Irish music and culture, and to all of her friends, collaborators and listeners both in Ireland and all over the world.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Moya Brennan – an iconic Irish voice.

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“Along with her Clannad bandmates, Moya brought Irish folk music to the international stage.

“Deepest sympathies to Moya’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

U2 frontman Bono also paid a heartfelt tribute following Moya's death saying, "She walked through this world like an angel, and now she's back with her own kind. We love you Moya".

Her funeral mass will take place in Crolly, Co Donegal, on Friday.