A beautiful celebration of music marked the final farewell to Moya Brennan, as large crowds gathered to honour a life that helped shape the sound of Irish music across the world.
Teach Pobail Phádraig Naofa, Mín Ui Bhaoill, a small church in the rolling hills of her native Gaoth Dobhair, was packed with mourners, including family, friends and musicians from near and far, among them members of U2 and The Corrs.
Tens of thousands also tuned into an online streaming.
The Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh and concelebrated by a number of priests from surrounding parishes, including Fr Seán O’Gallchóir, Fr Pádraig O’Baoighill, Fr Michael McCullagh, Fr John Joe Duffy and Fr Martin Doohan.
“We gather in sadness but we gather in gratitude and thanksgiving for the life of this wonderful woman,” said Fr Ó Fearraigh.
The late Moya Brennan.
He spoke about Moya’s life, which she lived beautifully, and the lasting grace and joy she brought into the lives of so many – not just in her own community, but across the world.
Symbols
Moya’s family and close friends carried symbols of her life to the altar, as her daughter Aisling explained the meaning behind each.
These included her iconic harp, signifying her love of music, instilled in her from a young age by her parents, Leo and Baba Brennan – something she went on to share with the world.
Two family photos were also included, along with a bodhrán representing Clubeo, which Aisling described as one of her mother’s proudest achievements.
“She wanted to champion up and coming talent on the same stage she found her own voice,” Aisling said proudly.
A concert lanyard from her last ever performance symbolised the decades Moya spent touring every corner of the earth, while a prayer book reflected her strong faith.
A Donegal jersey was presented to represent her love of sport.
“She was especially proud to record with the Irish football team, singing the opening vocals of ‘Put ‘Em Under Pressure’.”
The song was part of the national team’s 1990 FIFA World Cup campaign in Italy.
The remains of Moya Brennan arrive at Teach Pobail Phadraig Naofa as husband Tim Jarvis and daughter Aisling and son Paul embrace. (North West Newspix)
In his moving homily, Fr Brian spoke of Monday evening, when Moya sadly passed, and the sacred silence that descended as music stood still.
Her beautiful harp, he said, stood quietly in the corner of the room. He reflected that this silence sang Moya into eternity and home to heaven.
He also spoke of how, in the days that followed, her home was filled with friendship, love and kindness, becoming a centre of song and deep spirituality.
“A place where tears of sadness and tears of joy mingled with memories so lovingly shared by everyone who gathered, young and old, from near and far.
“The sound of silence was soon and very fittingly replaced by a beautiful and graceful musical celebration of a kind and a well lived life.
“Woven through pieces of scripture, poetry and songs, all of which were chosen by Moya herself.”
Fr Ó Fearraigh also spoke about Moya’s talent to give voice to the beauty of her beloved home.
“With her voice and her gifted playing of the harp, Moya carried the rugged beauty, the quiet strength, the ancient timeless mystery and the rich soul of Donegal to audiences right across the world.”
He quoted her dear friend and fellow musician, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan, who said: “She may be gone, but her voice will remain.”
Legacy
The Mass was a true celebration of the musical legacy Moya is leaving behind.
Her two brothers, Pól and Ciarán Brennan – the two remaining members of Clannad – poignantly performed ‘Eleanor Plunket’.
The church fell silent and mourners’ eyes welled with tears as the music rang out. As they made their way back to the pews, the congregation burst into applause.
Clannad 1988. Photo by Tim Jarvis.
Those gathered heard ‘Perfect Time’ fill the air, a song she penned with her husband Tim and performed for Pope John Paul II before more than two million people in Rome.
Musicians Cormac de Barra, Daniel and Majella O’Donnell, Eoin Ferry, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh and Maighread Ní Domhnaill also performed.
Music at the end of the Mass was provided by Clann Mhic Ruairí, who performed ‘Thíos Cois Na Trá Domh’, an emotional lament to those who once walked beside us but no longer do.
The church once again fell silent as the music rang out, before they were joined by local choirs, Cór Phádraig and Cór Mhuire, and many of the gathered mourners.
“The music is such a powerful medium that it can touch the human heart…We thank Moya for everything she has done as well and for bringing us all together,” said Fr Ó Fearraigh.
The church then erupted with applause for the First Woman of Celtic Music.
Moya was then laid to rest in Magheragallon.
Predeceased by her father Leo Brennan, brother Leon Brennan, uncles Noel and Padraig Duggan and aunt Bríd Duggan.
Deeply regretted and sadly missed by her loving husband Tim Jarvis, daughter Aisling (Kayleigh), son Paul (Lara), granddaughter Eden, mother Máire (Baba) Brennan, sisters Deirdre, Enya, Olive and Brídín, brothers Ciarán, Pól and Bartley and extended family and many friends.