Clannad’s Moya Brennan and Bono, from the video for the 1986 single, “In a Lifetime.”
Moya Brennan, a singer and harpist with the popular Irish group Clannad, died yesterday, April 13, 2026, in Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland, following a short illness. Often called “the First Lady of Celtic music,” she was 73.
In 2020, Brennan was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive lung disease, but continued to perform and record, often collaborating with her children.
The band posted the following statement on its Facebook page:
“We are completely heartbroken at the passing of our dearest sister Máire (Moya)
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
Pól agus Ciarán”
Ireland’s prime minister Micheál Martin said he was “deeply saddened” by Brennan’s death, crediting Clannad with “bringing Irish folk music to the international stage.”
Photo from Clannad’s “In a Lifetime Farewell Tour”
Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin, in Dublin, on August 4, 1952, she was the eldest of nine children (one of whom is the singer known as Enya, a former member of Clannad herself). Brennan began her professional singing career in 1970 with the formation of Clannad (derived from the word clan, meaning family in Gaelic), a family band including her siblings, Ciarán and Pól, and twin uncles, Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin (Duggan). At first Clannad performed traditional Irish folk songs, but later incorporated elements of rock, Celtic, jazz and other genres, as well as English-language lyrics.
Enya issued a statement of her own following Brennan’s death:
“It is with a deep and terrible sadness that I must announce the death of my beloved sister, Máire. Not only was she my sister, she was a dear and close friend. I would ask for privacy at the time. Enya.”
In 1982, Clannad’s single, “Theme from Harry’s Game,” peaked at # 5 in the U.K., becoming the first Irish-language song to reach the Top 10 there. Brennan received her first Grammy with Clannad for the 1997 album Landmarks, which won Best New Age Album. She received five Grammy nominations in all in that category.
According to a post by the BBC, Clannad “became the first band to sing in Irish on Top of the Pops when they performed ‘Theme from Harry’s Game’ in 1982.”
Clannad recorded about 25 albums in all, selling millions of copies worldwide. Outside of the group, Brennan enjoyed great success as a solo artist, recording her debut album recording her first individual album, Máire, in 1992. She recorded about 15 solo albums.
During her career, Brennan collaborated with a number of artists in various fields, including Bono, Mick Jagger, Shane MacGowan, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, Chris de Burgh, Steve Perry and Hans Zimmer.
Bono described Brennan’s voice as “one of the greatest the human ear has ever experienced.” U2 posted a tribute to her, writing, “Otherworldly voice. She sang like an angel. She walked through this world like an angel, and now she’s back with her own kind. We love you Moya.”
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Clannad’s final live performance took place in London in 2024. Both of Brennan’s uncles in the band have passed away; her two brothers in Clannad survive her.
Watch the video for Clannad’s “In a Lifetime,” featuring Bono
Clannad’s recordings are available in the U.S. here, in Canada here and in the U.K. here.
Related: Musicians who have died in 2026
2 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationRest in peace this great lady, with a beautiful voice and even better human quality. Her music was always wonderful.
A wonderful singer whose voice is pure and beautifully haunting and once heard can never be forgotten. I have your CD’s and played them frequently for some time now filling our home with your magical voice. I am shocked to have just learned of your passing. You meant a great deal to our family. You will be very very missed and you will never be forgotten.