Watch: Moya Brennan's family and friends perform a tribute to the Irish music legend at the Fleadh

Moya Brennan of Clannad was remembered in a tribute performance by her family and friends at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 in Belfast, yesterday.

The First Lady of Celtic music passed away earlier this year, in April.

Her children Aisling Jarvis and Paul Jarvis, and husband Tim Jarvis, performed with fellow Gweedore musicians LARAbEL and Emma Ní Fhíoruisce, as well as Clare Friel.

They played 'River of Songs' from her ninth solo album Canvas, which was co-written by her two children and released in 2017.

Clannad are a family group consisting of siblings Ciarán, Pól and Máire (Moya) Uí Bhraonáin (Brennan) and their twin uncles Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin (Duggan), formed in the Gaeltacht area of Donegal. As part of the band, she recorded 17 albums and went on to win a BAFTA, Ivor Novello and a Grammy.

"She was kind and generous and did everything she could in a spirit of benevolence," shared editor Niall Stokes in the April issue. "That was always Moya's way.

"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 effect required," Stokes added.

"They made marvelous, haunting, atmospheric music."

The singer and harpist kicked off Hot Press' 50th anniversary celebration, History In The Making at the 3Arena in February 2026.

Her family and friends performed the tribute live on the Fleadh tv stage last night and it was streamed on TG4.

Over 1.6 million people were estimated to have attended Fleadh 2026 in Belfast, exceeding the 800,000 expected. The festival is set to return to Belfast next year.

Watch the 'River of Songs' tribute to Moya Brennan below:

 

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