Tributes pour in for Moya Brennan: "Her music and her voice will last forever"

Tributes are pouring in from across the Irish music community and far beyond this morning, following the sad news of the death of Moya Brennan, aged 73.

The renowned singer, songwriter and harpist – who was recognised internationally as the 'First Lady of Celtic Music' – passed away peacefully in Donegal yesterday, April 13.

Her brothers Pól and Ciarán – who she formed Clannad with, alongside her uncles Pádraig and Noel Duggan, in the early '70s – are among those who have paid tribute to Moya this morning.

"We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya)," they wrote in a post shared to social media. "She crossed over last night at home in Donegal surrounded by family and has now joined Pádraig & Noel across the veil. Her voice was the signature sound of Clannad and will live on forever."

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Clannad (@clannadband)

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes has shared his own reflections on Moya's remarkable legacy:

“I’m lucky enough to have known Moya Brennan – or Máire Ní Bhraonáin – since the turbulent days of the 1970s. I remember the first time I saw Clannad live – they were supporting Eyeless, the band my brother Dermot and I were in back then, at the Folk, Blues and Beyond gigs run by Larry Roddy. I was immediately hugely impressed with the lovely musicality of their work and, of course, by the gorgeous woman out front, at a time when women involved in music were few and far between. That she had come all the way from Donegal and played the harp with such grace made her seem all the more exotic.

"In the early days of Hot Press, we followed Clannad’s development and progress through the Nicky Ryan years, and subsequently on to the breakthrough with ’Theme From Harry’s Game’ in 1983, with mounting excitement.

“What an extraordinary moment it was to see a band from the Gaeltacht in Donegal singing in Irish on Top of the Pops, and claiming their place in the British charts. That was just the start of a golden period for the band, and for Moya, that saw them achieve widespread and deserved international acclaim. There were many elements and aspects to that, including an increasingly ambitious compositional sense among all of the groups songwriters and composers. But Moya’s voice was central to everything that Clannad did, as were the harmonies with which the other family members swaddled and supported her, depending on the mood and the effect required. They made marvellous, haunting, wonderful music.

"It was always a joy to sit down and talk to Moya. In Hot Press, we had a wonderful relationship with her and with Clannad. Moya was always warm, kind, funny and game for an adventure and a laugh. She will, of course, be remembered for all of those things among people who knew her. But for people all over the world, who listened to Clannad's music with such intensity and devotion, she will always be renowned as a marvellous musician, a brilliant singer and a pioneer who opened the doors for other female performers, whether with Clannad or solo.

“The news today is unbearably sad. But her legacy, and the huge contribution she made to Irish music, will live on forever."

Taking to social media this morning, Daniel O'Donnell said that he and his wife Majella are "deeply saddened" by the passing of their "dear friend".

"A beautiful lady who will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her," he continued. "We send our sincere sympathy to her husband Tim, daughter Aisling, son Paul, her mother Baba and all the extended family at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Moya."

Una Healy also paid tribute to the "wonderful Moya Brennan", stating that she "had the great pleasure of meeting and singing with Moya on a number of occasions, along with her daughter Aisling and with the Irish Women in Harmony. She was such a beautiful person and a legend."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, meanwhile, has described Moya as "an iconic Irish voice."

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

Deeply saddened at the passing of Moya Brennan - an iconic Irish voice.

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.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam. pic.twitter.com/mYLQyhLy1N

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) April 14, 2026

The Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan, has also issued a statement, noting that "Moya Brennan gave Ireland a sound the world will never forget."

"Her voice carried the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht far beyond our shores to international acclaim," he continued. "Through Clannad and her solo work, she didn’t just make music, she created a feeling in people that was deeply Irish, yet understood everywhere.

"Her songs brought comfort, identity and pride to generations, and helped shape how Ireland is heard and seen across the world. Her legacy lives on in that unmistakable sound, one that will always feel like home."

Sinn Féin's Mary Lou McDonald remembered Moya as a "legend of celtic folk music", and an "incredible voice and talent that captured the essence of the Irish people – our language, our heritage, our story."

"Moya brought a magical, breathtaking quality to her music that touched the hearts and the imaginations of people throughout Ireland and right across the world," she added. "She powerfully expressed the beautiful, free, searching spirit of the Gael. Her music and her voice will last forever..."

Letterkenny Pride also shared a special tribute, describing Moya as their "dear friend and ally."

"Moya was our very first and most valiant supporter and has been an unforgettable presence over the past three years. From the beginning, she took us by the hand, walked with us and showed us how to lead with love. We’ll always cherish her for her beautiful commitment to Letterkenny Pride."

Taking to social media, singer and senator Frances Black called Moya "one of the most beautiful people" she knows in the music industry.

"Moya was not only a wonderful musician and singer, she was a warm, generous and deeply spiritual soul who touched everyone she met," she added. "I had the privilege of catching up with Moya this past January after she performed at the Tradfest Women of Note gig , and we had plans to meet again in August when I would be up in Donegal.

"Moya gave so much to Irish music and to the world, her voice with Clannad was unlike anything else, a sound rooted in the Donegal Gaeltacht that somehow spoke to millions across the globe. But beyond the music, it was who she was as a human being that will stay with me."

See more tributes to Moya Brennan below:

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cara Dillon (@caradillonsings)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Simon Harris (@simonharristd)

💔 Very sad to hear of the passing of Moya Brennan.

Moya gave so much to Ireland and its people. Known as the First Lady of Celtic music, her songs and stories shaped so many lives and will always be cherished.

Moya was proud of her roots. A powerful ambassador for Ireland -… pic.twitter.com/8rS15kBZw3

— Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) April 14, 2026