Moya Brennan: Family, friends and fans bid final farewell to First Lady of Celtic Music at funeral in Co. Donegal

Friends, fans and musicians from across the country and beyond made the journey up to Gweedore in Co. Donegal this afternoon, April 17, for the funeral of Moya Brennan at St. Patrick's Church in Meenaweal – following the very sad news of her death this week, aged 73.

The renowned Irish singer, songwriter and harpist – recognised internationally as the First Lady of Celtic Music – passed away peacefully at her home in Donegal on Monday, after a decade living with pulmonary fibrosis.

Mourners gathered in huge numbers both inside and outside the rural church, located in the heart of the stunning Donegal Gaeltacht. Those in attendance included Moya's family and Clannad bandmates, U2, Daniel O'Donnell, Andrea Corr, Brian Kennedy and representatives of the President and the Taoiseach.

Photo: mcn.live

A recording of Moya's song 'Jealous Heart', from Máire, her debut solo album, was heard in the packed-out church, before Moya's wicker casket was brought in to 'Peacemaker' from 1999's Grammy-nominated Whisper To The Wild Water.

"Moya Brennan was above all a woman of music, a woman of melody, a woman of motherhood and a woman of mission," Father Brian Ó Fearraigh told the church. "She knew that her gift was from God. She used that gift faithfully and used that gift well, allowing her voice and harp to harmonise in a wonderful way – and become instruments of beauty, instruments of peace and instruments of blessing to the world.

"Moya sang for popes and presidents, for the poor of this earth, and the forgotten – her music touched all. Her music belonged to all, crossing every boundary, because, in a way, it spoke the language of every human heart.

"It's said that, through her voice and her gifted playing of the harp, Moya carried the rugged beauty, quiet strength, ancient timeless mystery, and rich soul of Donegal to audiences right across the world."

He noted that, in the hours and days after her death, "her home became a place again of friendship, love, kindness and light."

"A centre of song and deep spirituality," he resumed. "Where tears of sadness and tears of joy mingled with memories so lovingly shared by young and old, and everyone who gathered from near and far."

Moya's daughter Aisling introduced various symbols representing her mother's life – including her harp, family pictures, a lanyard from the final gig she performed, a prayer book, a Donegal jersey and a Clubeo bodhrán.

Fittingly, music played a central role in the service, with her family members and Clannad bandmates among those who performed. Other singers and musicians spanned generations, highlighting not only Moya's impact across multiple decades, but her passion for platforming and collaborating with young and emerging acts. Young Donegal singers Megan Nic Ruairí and LARAbEL – who have performed and collaborated with Moya in the past – were among those in attendance.

In a moving moment, the choir sang alongside a recording of Moya for 'Song of David (Psalm 67)'. Daniel O'Donnell, alongside his wife Majella, also performed 'Here I Am Lord'.

Credit: Andy Earl

Moya will be laid to rest in Magheragallon Cemetery in Gweedore.

She is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis; daughter Aisling; son Paul; granddaughter Eden; mother Máire (Baba) Brennan; sisters Deirdre, Enya, Olive and Brídín; and brothers Ciarán, Pól and Bartley.

You can read Hot Press editor Niall Stokes' special tribute to "a true, majestic icon of Irish music" here.