Moya Brennan, historic voice of Clannad, has died

Moya Brennan, the legendary voice of Clannad, has died. She was 73. A central figure in bringing contemporary Celtic sound to a wider audience, she helped carry Irish musical tradition onto the international stage, not least through her artistic bond with her sister Enya.

The Irish singer passed away on 13 April at her home in Gaoth Dobhair, in County Donegal, as announced by her family.

“We are utterly devastated by the loss of our dearest sister Máire (Moya) – Clannad write on Facebook – She passed away last night, at home in Donegal, surrounded by family, and has now joined Pádraig and Noel beyond the veil. Her voice was the defining sound of Clannad and will live on forever. Pól and Ciarán.”

Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin on 4 August 1952, Brennan was the eldest of a family deeply rooted in music. Her relationship with Enya marked a pivotal chapter in the Irish music scene: both sisters took their first steps together in Clannad, before Enya went on to a hugely successful solo career.

Founded in the early Seventies alongside brothers Ciarán and Pól, the band started out performing at the family pub, Leo's Tavern, before breaking through after winning the 1973 Letterkenny Folk Festival. From that point on, Clannad built an international career, standing out for their fusion of the Gaelic language with modern arrangements.

Over the course of her time with the group, Brennan took part in 17 albums, earning honors including Grammy, Bafta and Ivor Novello Awards. Among the band's best-known tracks is still “Theme From Harry's Game,” while their soundtrack work also drew wide attention, including the score for the series “Robin Of Sherwood.”

Alongside this, she launched a solo career in 1992 with “Máire.” Among her most notable works is “Whisper To The Wild Water,” Grammy-nominated in 2001. In all, her discography numbers more than 25 albums, with over 20 million copies sold.

She also lent her voice to several film productions, including “Tell Me Now (What You See)” for “King Arthur” and “I Will Find You” for “The Last Of The Mohicans,” and collaborated with artists such as Bono, Robert Plant and Van Morrison.

Since 2002 she had officially gone by the name Moya Brennan, closer to the Gaelic pronunciation of her original name. In 2023 Clannad had played their farewell concert in Dublin, fifty years after their recording debut.

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