‘First Lady of Celtic Music’ dies aged 73

WorldMusic
14 Apr 2026 • 5:33 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

‘First Lady of Celtic Music’ dies aged 73

  • Moya Brennan, the lead singer of the acclaimed Irish folk band Clannad, has died at the age of 73.
  • Often referred to as the “First Lady of Celtic Music”, she passed away peacefully on Monday, 13 April, having been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2020.
  • Brennan co-founded Clannad in 1970 with her brothers and uncles, serving as the band's lead vocalist for over 50 years.
  • Clannad achieved significant international success, winning a Bafta for their work on Robin of Sherwood and a Grammy Award for their 1999 album Landmarks.
  • Beyond her work with Clannad, Brennan had a successful solo career, collaborated with notable artists, and is widely credited with introducing the Irish language to mainstream music.

IN FULL