Like much of the world, we woke this morning to the heart-breaking news that Irish music legend Moya Brennan has passed away. Known globally as the "First Lady of Celtic Music," Moya first rose to fame with her family band, Clannad.
From humble beginnings playing at Leo’s Tavern (owned by her father, Leo), Moya—alongside her brothers Pól and Ciarán and uncles Noel and Pádraig—honed her craft across the UK and Europe. The band was thrust into international superstardom with the haunting theme from the 1980s TV series Harry’s Game. A landmark appearance on Top of the Pops, where they sang in Irish, further propelled them to global acclaim, followed by multi-platinum albums like ‘Legend’ (the soundtrack for Robin of Sherwood), ‘Macalla’, and ‘Sirius’. Further success followed with iconic movie themes, including The Last of the Mohicans.
Despite her immense success, and having worked with music superstars, Bono, Mick Jagger, Paul Brady, Bruce Hornsby and Paul Young, Moya remained remarkably grounded and always accessible to her fans and to us at Folk & Tumble. Over the years, we had the privilege of meeting, reviewing, and interviewing her both with Clannad and as a solo artist. Each encounter was warm and welcoming, especially when she was relaxing at Leo’s Tavern in her home of Crolly, County Donegal. It was there that she tirelessly supported emerging talent, hosting a monthly club night for unsigned artists to perform and promote their music.
We extend our deepest sympathies to her husband, Tim Jarvis, her children, Aisling and Paul, and the entire Brennan family.