Moya Brennan who is the lead vocalist of Irish folk group Clannad and one of the most recognisable voices in Celtic music has died aged 73.

Her family confirmed that she died peacefully in her native County Donegal surrounded by loved ones.

In recent years she had been living with pulmonary fibrosis and had faced the possibility of a double lung transplant.

Born Máire Philomena Ní Bhraonáin on 4 August 1952 in Dublin, Brennan grew up in a deeply musical family and later trained at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. She was the eldest of nine children.

In 1970 she co-founded Clannad with her brothers Pól and Ciarán along with her mother’s twin brothers Noel and Pádraig Ó Dúgáin.

Their breakthrough came in 1983 with the album Magical Ring and the hit single “Theme from Harry’s Game” which reached the UK Top 5 and brought international attention to Irish-language music.

The success also led to major television and film work including soundtracks for productions such as Robin of Sherwood.

Brennan’s sister Eithne Ní Bhraonáin later found global success as Enya making the family one of Ireland’s most influential musical dynasties.

Over her career Brennan earned praise from artists including Bono of U2 and collaborated with musicians such as Shane MacGowan, Robert Plant, Bruce Hornsby, and Ronan Keating.

She also released a long solo career beginning with her 1992 album Máire and continued performing and recording music for decades.

Her work appeared across film and television soundtracks including major international productions.

Outside music Brennan was involved in charity work supporting organisations focused on disability services and addiction recovery in several countries.

She was also open about personal struggles in her early life and later spoke about the role of her Christian faith in helping her through illness and hardship.

In 2002 she began using the name Moya Brennan professionally and later made it her legal name.

She is survived by her husband British photographer Tim Jarvis and their two children.