A new award honouring Moya Brennan, the internationally acclaimed singer and founder member of Clannad, has been launched by Ionad Naomh Pádraig in Gaoth Dobhair.
Moya, a native of Dore, passed away on April 13 last.
Ionad Naomh Pádraig decided to establish this award in recognition of the remarkable contribution she made to Irish music and culture over many decades.
The launch was held in Ionad Naomh Pádraig and was part of the celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of the centre.
Family members who attended Friday’s launch of the Gradam Solais in memory of Moya Brennan.
In launching the new award Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh said the new ‘Gradam Solais’ (Light Award) will become an annual event ensuring that Moya Brennan’s legacy continues to encourage creativity and artistic achievement for years to come.
He said the successful applicant will receive a bursary of €5,000 together with a specially commissioned, one-off piece of artwork created to mark the occasion.
The unique artwork will serve as a lasting reminder of the recipient’s achievement and of enduring influence of Moya Brennan’s distinguished career.
Moya Brennan’s husband Tim Jarvis with Máire Uí Chomhaill, Manager of Ionad Naomh Pádraig.
Despite achieving worldwide acclaim, Moya never allowed success to distance her from her roots. Instead she became one of Gaoth Dobhair’s finest ambassadors, introducing audiences across Europe, America and beyond to the language and culture and traditions of the place she proudly called Dobhar and Gaoth Dobhair.
It is little wonder that listeners from every corner of the globe have come to associate her music with the beauty of Gaoth Dobhair.
The decision of Ionad Naomh Pádraig to establish this award in her honour is therefore a fitting tribute. It recognises not only her extraordinary contribution to music but also the pride she had always taken in her native parish.
The process for nominating individuals will commence on August 4 – Moya’s birthday. An independent committee will go through all the applications and the winner will be announced later in the year.
Photos by Tommy Curran.