Funeral details announced for Moya Brennan
Olivia Kelleher
The funeral will take place on Friday of musician Moya Brennan, who died at her home in Upper Dore, Gweedore, Co Donegal on Monday.
The 73-year-old will lie in repose at her home on Wednesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 8 pm with prayers nightly at 8 pm.
The family home will be private nightly after the prayers and on the morning of the funeral.
A funeral mass for Brennan will take place at 2pm in St Patrick's Church, Meenaweal, Crolly in Donegal, with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery, Gweedore.
The Grammy, Emmy, Ivor Novello and BAFTA winning artist was often described as the First Lady of Celtic music.
Brennan was predeceased by her father Leon, brother Leon, her uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan and aunt Bríd Duggan.
She is survived by her loving husband Tim Jarvis, daughter Aisling (Kayleigh), son Paul (Lara), granddaughter Eden, mother Máire (Baba) Brennan, sisters; Deirdre, Enya, Olive & Brídín, brothers; Ciarán, Pól & Bartley, her extended family and many friends.
Mourners are asked to donate to Donegal Cancer Flights & Services in lieu of flowers.
The requiem mass will be live-streamed.
Meanwhile, Taoiseach Micheál Martin has spoken of being “deeply saddened” at the passing of Brennan, whom he described as having “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.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that the Donegal native had a “unique voice of extraordinary beauty.”
“She went from Gweedore to global renown with Clannad, bringing Irish music to the international audience.”
Musician and Senator Frances Black said that Brennan was one of the most “beautiful people” she had ever come across 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. “
Singer Daniel O’Donnell said that he and his wife, Majella, were deeply saddened at the passing of their dear friend Moya
He added that she was a “beautiful lady” who will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know her.”
Meanwhile, the singer, songwriter and harpist recorded more than 20 albums. Clannad first experienced acclaim in 1982 with the “Theme from Harry’s Game.”
The song was commissioned as the theme for a Yorkshire Television miniseries set in the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The song reached number 2 in the Irish Singles Chart and number 5 in the UK. Even greater success followed with albums such as Legend, Sirius and Anam.
The band was formed in 1970 and included two of Moya’s brothers and her two uncles. Her sister Eithne, who became known as Enya, left the group to embark on a highly successful solo career
Clannad achieved eight UK top 10 albums. They were awarded the Freedom of Donegal two years ago after more than five decades in the music business.
