Moya Brennan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Moya Brennan
Brennan in 2011
Background information
Birth name	Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin
Also known as	Máire Brennan Máire Jarvis
Born	(1952-08-04)4 August 1952 Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland
Origin	Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland
Died	13 April 2026(2026-04-13) (aged 73) Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, Ireland
Genres	Irish Traditional Celtic folk new-age contemporary Christian music
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter producer harpist
Instruments	Vocals harp piano
Years active	1970–2026
Labels	Atlantic BMG Word BEO Universal

Moya Brennan (born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin; August 4, 1952 – April 13, 2026), also known as Máire Brennan, was a famous Irish folk singer, songwriter, and harpist. She was also known for her kindness and charity work. Moya began her music career in 1970. She performed with her family in the band Clannad.

Moya Brennan released her first solo album, Máire, in 1992. This album was very successful. She received a Grammy Award and also won an Emmy Award. Her beautiful voice was featured in many movie soundtracks. These included Titanic and King Arthur.

Who Was Moya Brennan?

Moya Brennan was born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin on August 4, 1952. She was born in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents had moved there from County Donegal. Moya grew up in Gweedore, a special area in County Donegal. In Gweedore, the Irish language and traditions are still very strong.

Moya came from a very musical family. Her mother was a music teacher. Her father, Leo Brennan, played in a cabaret band. Moya often performed with her father's band when she was a child. She was the oldest of nine children. Her siblings included her famous sister, Enya. Moya and her brothers and sisters sang together. They performed in their family's pub, Leo's Tavern. She also acted in plays at the local theatre. After finishing school, Moya studied music in Dublin. She learned to play the harp and piano. She also trained her singing voice. Later, she taught music at a college in County Donegal.

Journey with Clannad

Moya performing with Clannad at the Leeds Folk Festival, 1982

In 1970, Moya joined her brothers Pól and Ciarán. Their uncles, Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin, also joined. Together, they formed the band Clannad. An Irish musician, Tony MacMahon, helped them get on television. Clannad became one of the world's top Irish music groups.

In 1982, their album Magical Ring became a big hit. Moya's voice was key to the group's success. Her singing became well-known for Celtic music and Irish music. She recorded 17 albums with Clannad. With the band, she won a Grammy, a BAFTA, and an Ivor Novello award. Her sister, Eithne (Enya), also spent some time with Clannad. Enya later became a very successful solo artist. Clannad had a reunion tour in 2008. They had planned a new acoustic album, but it was not released.

A Thriving Solo Career

Brennan performing with Clannad in Boston, 1988

Moya Brennan started her solo career in 1992. Her first solo album was Máire. Three years later, she released Misty Eyed Adventures. In 1998, she released Perfect Time. The album Whisper to the Wild Water followed in 1999. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award.

Moya's music is often called new age or Celtic. She embraced the Celtic label. Her faith was a very important part of her life and often inspired her music. Many of her songs focused on her Christian beliefs.

Collaborations and Performances

In 2000, Moya published her autobiography. It was called The Other Side of the Rainbow. That same year, she performed her song "Perfect Time" live. This was at World Youth Day in Rome. She sang for millions of people and Pope John Paul II. She felt it was a great honor. Moya also recorded a song called "Peace Has Broken Out". This song was about a time of conflict in Ireland.

Moya was the featured singer for the movie King Arthur (2004). She helped write the main theme, "Tell Me Now (What You See)". She worked with Hans Zimmer on this song. Moya also wrote music for the film To End All Wars (2001). She sang with Shane MacGowan on "You're the One" for the movie Circle of Friends. Moya worked with many other musicians. These included Bono, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, and Ronan Keating.

Moya Brennan recorded 25 albums in total. She sold 20 million records during her career. In 2002, she started using the name Moya Brennan. This spelling was easier for people not familiar with Irish names. She legally changed her name in 2009. Her album Two Horizons (2003) was released under this new name. She also sang on the popular dance track "Saltwater" with Chicane. This song was used in many tourism campaigns.

In 2004, Moya performed for President George W. Bush. This was at a special luncheon in Washington, D.C. She also performed for Pope Benedict XVI at World Youth Day 2005. Her Christmas album, An Irish Christmas, came out in 2006. In 2007, she released Signature. She described this album as a collection of moments from her life. Moya also collaborated on songs for various charities.

In 2009, Moya recorded music for a documentary film. It was called 'Intrepid Journal'. In April 2010, she released a new album. It was called My Match Is a Makin' and was with harpist Cormac de Barra. Moya also planned a hymns album and a new Clannad album. The Clannad album was released in 2013. She was the main performer at the Atlanta Celtic Christmas concert in 2010. In 2012, she performed on the album "Excalibur III – The Origins". This was with French musician Alan Simon.

In 2013, Moya Brennan and Cormac de Barra released Voices & Harps – Affinity. This album included new songs and traditional Irish tunes. It also featured a cover of "Sailing" by Christopher Cross. Her album Canvas was released in 2017. Her children, Aisling and Paul, helped write the songs. In 2020, Moya joined "Irish Women in Harmony". This group of female singers recorded "Dreams". They did this to help Safe Ireland, a charity that supports families and individuals facing difficult situations at home.

The Moya Brennan Band

Moya Brennan toured with a talented group of musicians. Many of them had their own solo projects. The band included the harpist and TV presenter Cormac de Barra. In 2012, Moya's daughter, Aisling Jarvis, became a full-time member of her band. Aisling joined Moya on all her solo tours. She also performed in the "Voices & Harps" project with Cormac DeBarra.

Meet the Band Members

Lasting Legacy and Awards

Moya Brennan after receipt of an honorary doctorate from DCU, with the university's president and chancellor, May 2022

Moya Brennan and Clannad are known for creating modern Celtic music. They are highly respected for bringing new life to old Irish songs. They helped make the Irish language popular through their music. One critic said their music was a "terrific fusion between traditional and modern influences." U2 singer Bono once said Moya had "one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced."

Moya also played the harp beautifully. She featured the harp on many Clannad records. Her album Two Horizons was inspired by the discovery of the harp. Her singing voice was often described as a "breathy soprano". In May 2022, Moya Brennan received an honorary doctorate from Dublin City University. This recognized her important contributions to music.

Moya Brennan was named Donegal Person of The Year 2023. This award was announced in February 2024. She had co-hosted a concert in January 2023. This concert helped the victims of the Creeslough explosion. Her award ceremony took place on April 6, 2024, in Dublin.

Personal Journey

Moya Brennan wrote an autobiography in 2000. In the book, she shared stories about growing up in Donegal. She also spoke about the ups and downs of her music career. She openly shared about facing personal challenges. During these times, she found strength and renewed her faith, which became a guiding light in her life. Moya was married to musician Pat Farrell for a short time in the 1980s. In 1990, she married British photographer Tim Jarvis. They had two children together. Moya Brennan passed away at her home in Gaoth Dobhair, County Donegal, on April 13, 2026. She was 73 years old.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Moya Brennan was also a kind and generous person. She used her fame to help many charities.

Supporting Vision and Health

Brennan performing in New York, 2008

In 2003, Moya Brennan became a Goodwill Ambassador for Christian Blind Mission Ireland (CBM). Her first trip was to Congo-Kinshasa. She helped bring three children from remote villages to the city for medical help. She also visited Rwanda, Brazil, and Belize. In Belize, she helped open a school for children in need. Moya also traveled to Tanzania. She helped share the charity's important work with the world. She performed concerts globally with other CBM ambassadors.

Caring for Our Planet

With Clannad, Moya recorded many songs about protecting nature. These songs highlighted the beauty of Ireland's landscapes. They also warned about the dangers of pollution. One of her solo songs on this topic was "Big Yellow Taxi". In 2005, Moya joined a protest in County Donegal. She spoke out against electric cables that could harm the environment.

Music for Good Causes

In 1985, Clannad donated their song "Almost Seems (Too Late To Turn)" to Children in Need. This was the British charity's first official single. Moya also performed at Self Aid in 1986. She shared the stage with artists like Bono and Bob Geldof. Moya and Clannad were strong supporters of Amnesty International. They contributed their song "Rí na Cruinne" to the organization.

Moya recorded many songs for charity. She appeared on albums by other artists to raise money. In 2008, she became a director for UCB Ireland. This was Ireland's first Christian satellite radio station. She also recorded a song for the Ceol Cheann Dubhrann album in 2009. This helped raise funds for local community centers. In 2020, Moya was part of Irish Women in Harmony. They recorded "Dreams" to support Safe Ireland. This charity helps families facing difficult situations at home.

Moya Brennan's Music Albums

Brennan performing with Clannad at Lorient in 2013

Studio Albums

• 1992 – Máire
• 1994 – Misty Eyed Adventures
• 1998 – Perfect Time
• 1999 – Whisper to the Wild Water
• 2003 – Two Horizons
• 2005 – An Irish Christmas
• 2006 – Signature
• 2010 – My Match Is A Makin' (with Cormac de Barra)
• 2010 – T with the Maggies (with T with the Maggies)
• 2011 – Voices & Harps (with Cormac de Barra)
• 2013 – Affinity (with Cormac de Barra)
• 2017 – Canvas
• 2019 – Timeless (with Cormac de Barra)
• 2023 – Nollaig Ghaelach (newly recorded songs from “An Irish Christmas”)
• 2024 – Voices & Harps IV (with Cormac de Barra)

Live Albums

• 2005 – Óró - A Live Session
• 2007 – Signature Special Tour Edition
• 2008 – Heart Strings

Singles

• 1992 – "Against the Wind"
• 1992 – "Jealous Heart"
• 1993 – "Big Yellow Taxi"
• 1995 – "You're the One" (with Shane MacGowan)
• 1998 – "Heal This Land"
• 1998 – "The Big Rock"
• 1999 – "Saltwater" (with Chicane)
• 2000 – "Follow the Word"
• 2003 – "Show Me"
• 2003 – "Tara"
• 2003 – "Saltwater" (with Chicane– re-issue)
• 2005 – "I'll See You Again/Hidden" (with Hazel O'Connor)
• 2006 – "No One Talks"
• 2007 – "Merry-Go-Round"
• 2007 – "Holiday Trio"
• 2008 – "Green to Gold" (with Grand Canal)
• 2013 – "Sailing" (with Cormac de Barra)
• 2021 – "Strong In Numbers (Moya Brennan single)" (with Liam O'Connor)

See also

In Spanish: Moya Brennan para niños