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Reclusive singer Enya led the mourners at the funeral mass of her sister Moya Brennan at St. Patrick’s Church in Meenaweal, County Donegal on Friday.
The songstress, 64, shielded her eyes behind dark shades as she was joined by U2 frontman Bono as well as The Corrs’ Andrea Corr for the service.
Moya, who is best known as the lead singer of band Clannad for over 50 years, sadly passed away aged 73 on Monday, ‘surrounded by her loved ones’, according to a family statement.
Enya, real name Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, was supported by family as she watched her sister’s wicker coffin carried into the small country church.
The rarely seen singer, who is Ireland’s best selling solo artist, wrapped up warm in a black coat which she wore with a silver brooch.
Meanwhile Bono was spotted also in black as he arrived alongside fellow bandmates The Edge (David Howell Evans), Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen.
Reclusive singer Enya led the mourners at the funeral mass of her beloved sister Moya Brennan at St. Patrick’s Church in Meenaweal, County Donegal on Friday
U2 frontman Bono (L) and Andrea Corr (R) also arrived for the service
Moya, who is best known as the lead singer of band Clannad for over 50 years, sadly passed away aged 73 on Monday, ‘surrounded by her loved ones’ (pictured in 2011)
Enya, began her career alongside her sister with Clannad before going on to achieve incredible solo success.
Last year Moya was pictured with her rarely-seen sister as they attended a wedding in Donegal.
It comes after Bono told The Irish Independent: ‘[Moya] walked through this world like an angel, and now she’s back with her own kind. We love you Moya.’
Bono previously collaborated with Moya and Clannad on their highly successful track In a Lifetime.
His tribute was followed by fellow singer Andrea, who shared: ‘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.’
The singer and harpist has been hailed the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’ as tributes continue to pour in.
Ireland’s Taoiseach (prime minister) Micheál Martin wrote on X: ‘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 said Moya ‘never forgot her roots’ despite her success outside of Ireland.
He told 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.
Last year Moya (L) was pictured with her rarely-seen sister Enya (R) as they attended a wedding in Donegal
Enya (far left) real name Eithne Pádraigín Ní Bhraonáin, was supported by family as she watched her late sister’s coffin carried into the small country church
Bono was dressed in black and sported a backwards baseball cap after paying tribute to ‘angel’ Moya
He was joined by fellow U2 bandmates The Edge (David Howell Evans, pictured left), and Larry Mullen, right
U2’s Adam Clayton was also in attendance
Enya, began her career alongside her sister with Clannad before going on to achieve incredible solo success
Irish folk singer Mairead Ní Mhaonaigh (L) and TV presenter Blathnaid Ní Chofaigh (R) arrived together
Sinn Fein’s Pearce Doherty was also there to pay his respects after hailing Moya as the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’
‘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.
‘Everyone around here loved her, and when you met her, she had a great peace about her.’
Mary Lou McDonald, the leader of Sinn Fein, said Moya’s music ‘touched the hearts and the imaginations of people throughout Ireland and right across the world’.
She said: ‘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.
‘She powerfully expressed the beautiful, free, searching spirit of the Gael. Her music and her voice will last forever.’
Her party colleague Pearse Doherty hailed Moya as the ‘First Lady of Celtic music’.
Pearse wrote: ‘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.
‘Thinking of her husband Tim, her two children Aisling and Paul, the wider family, her friends, and all those who knew and loved her.’
Bono previously collaborated with Moya and Clannad on their highly successful track In a Lifetime
Moya is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children; daughter Aisling and son Paul
Four years ago, Moya credited her faith as she battled her lung condition, which is a chronic and progressive illness that is characterised by the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue
Left to right: Noel Duggan, Ciaran Brennan, Moya Brennan, Padraig Duggan and Paul Brennan of Irish group Clannad (seen in 1982)
Moya is survived by her husband Tim Jarvis and their two children; daughter Aisling and son Paul.
Four years ago, Moya credited her faith as she battled her lung condition, which is a chronic and progressive illness that is characterised by the scarring and stiffening of lung tissue.
She said at the time: ‘I know God is with me, it’s when we are doing things by ourselves, that’s when we feel the stress. I’m not saying I’ve got it perfect, we all fall but really that’s where my strength comes from.’
Born Máire Ní Bhraonáin on August 4, 1952, in Gaoth Dobhair, she grew up in a large musical family and began performing with her brothers Pól and Ciarán and their uncles Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin.
Their early pub sessions in their hometown eventually developed into Clannad, who went on to become one of Ireland’s most successful folk acts.
Clannad first gained wider attention after winning the Letterkenny Folk Festival in 1973, which led to touring across Europe.
Their mix of traditional Irish music with contemporary influences helped them stand out at a time when Celtic music rarely crossed into the mainstream.
Clannad became the first band to sing in Irish on Top Of The Pops in 1982, where they performed Harry’s Game, catapulting them to international fame.
The eighties saw the group tour across the globe, and in 1984 they scooped a BAFTA award, followed by a Grammy in 1999.
Clannad’s final studio album, Nádúr, was released in 2013 and they completed their 50th Anniversary In a Lifetime Farewell Tour in 2024.
Moya also enjoyed a successful solo career, and in 2011 she won an Emmy for her Music Of Ireland documentary with US broadcaster PBS.
She collaborated with stars including Mick Jagger Bono and Paul Young.