Quick Info
| Profession | Irish folk singer, songwriter, harpist, and philanthropist |
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Date of Birth | 04/08/1952 |
| Age | 73 years (died on 13, Apr, 2026) |
| Birthplace | Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland |
| Date of Death | 13/04/2026 |
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Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Máire Philomena Nà Bhraonáin |
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| Also Known As | Máire Brennan |
| Description | Lead singer and voice of the world-renowned Celtic group Clannad for over 50 years. Known as 'The First Lady of Celtic Music' for her popularization of Irish language, culture, and music. Her voice has been described by Bono of U2 as 'one of the greatest voices the human ear has ever experienced.' |
Educational Qualification(s)
| Institution | Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin |
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| Subjects |
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Personal Life
| Religion | Christian |
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| Teaching | Taught music at Holy Cross College in Falcarragh, County Donegal |
Relationships & More
| Spouse | Tim Jarvis (photographer, married 12/01/1991) |
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Family
| Sister | Eithne Nà Bhraonáin (known professionally as Enya) |
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| Father | Leo Brennan |
| Siblings in Clannad | Ciarán and Pól |
| Uncles in Clannad | Noel and Pádraig Duggan (twins) |
| Children |
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Career
| Professional Start | 1970 |
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| Band Formation | Clannad (formed with family members) |
| First Album with Clannad | 1973 |
| Solo Debut | 1992 (album: Máire) |
| Albums with Clannad | 17 |
| Awards |
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| Film Soundtracks |
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| Notable Performance | World Youth Day 1999 in Rome - performed to 2.7 million people (largest audience in northern hemisphere at that time) in front of Pope John Paul II |
| Collaborations | Bono (U2) and other world-renowned musicians |
| Charitable Work | Goodwill Ambassador to Christian Blind Mission Ireland (2003); part of 'Irish Women in Harmony' collective (2020) for Safe Ireland charity |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Performed in cabaret band with her father at a young age | |
| 2. Performed in pantomimes at Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair (Gweedore Theatre) | |
| 3. Published autobiography 'The Other Side of the Rainbow' in 2000 | |
| 4. Performed song 'Perfect Time' at World Youth Day in Rome in front of Pope John Paul II | |
| 5. Part of Irish collective 'Irish Women in Harmony' that recorded version of 'Dreams' for Safe Ireland charity during COVID-19 pandemic |