Enya Leads Mourners at Sister Moya Brennan's Funeral in Donegal
The reclusive singer Enya, 64, led mourners at the funeral mass of her beloved sister Moya Brennan on Friday at St. Patrick's Church in Meenaweal, County Donegal. The grief-stricken songstress, shielding her eyes behind dark sunglasses, was joined by U2 frontman Bono and The Corrs' Andrea Corr for the emotional service.
Moya Brennan's Legacy and Passing
Moya Brennan, best known as the lead singer of the iconic band Clannad for over 50 years, tragically passed away aged 73 on Monday. According to a family statement, she was 'surrounded by her loved ones' at the time of her death. The harpist and vocalist has been widely hailed as the 'First Lady of Celtic music', with tributes pouring in from across Ireland and beyond.
Enya, whose real name is Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, was supported by family members as she watched her late sister's coffin carried into the small country church. The rarely seen singer, who is the best-selling Irish solo artist, wore a black coat adorned with a silver brooch for the solemn occasion.
Celebrity Tributes and Attendance
Bono arrived at the funeral dressed in black, sporting a backwards baseball cap, alongside his U2 bandmates The Edge (David Howell Evans), Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen. In a heartfelt tribute to Moya Brennan published in The Irish Independent, Bono stated: '[Moya] walked through this world like an angel, and now she's back with her own kind. We love you Moya.' Bono had previously collaborated with Moya and Clannad on their highly successful track 'In a Lifetime'.
Andrea Corr also shared her condolences, writing: 'The most beautiful voice and spirit … A blessing to have had time with you. Dear Moya. Rest in peace. Praying for your beloved family and friends' comfort.'
Political and Cultural Tributes
Ireland's Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheál Martin expressed his sadness on social media, posting: 'Deeply saddened at the passing of Moya Brennan - 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.'
Country singer Daniel O'Donnell highlighted Moya's humility and dedication to her roots, telling the BBC: 'She loved the music, and she loved to see people doing well. Especially in these last few years, she loved giving young singers a chance – that was her focus. She was Donegal Person of the Year two years ago, and the important thing in anyone's life is that your own locality recognises whatever you're doing, and that was certainly the case for Moya.'
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein, praised Moya's global impact, saying: 'A legend of Celtic folk music. An incredible voice and talent that captured the essence of the Irish people – our language, our heritage, our story. Moya brought a magical, breathtaking quality to her music that touched the hearts and the imaginations of people throughout Ireland and right across the world.'
Her party colleague Pearse Doherty echoed these sentiments, hailing Moya as the 'First Lady of Celtic music' and noting: 'Moya gave so much to Ireland and its people. Known as the First Lady of Celtic music, her songs and stories shaped so many lives and will always be cherished. Moya was proud of her roots. A powerful ambassador for Ireland – she took our music, language and culture and shared it with the world.'
The funeral service marked a poignant farewell to a musical icon whose voice and spirit left an indelible mark on Celtic music and Irish culture worldwide.
