U2 among mourners at funeral of 'first lady of Celtic music' Moya Brennan

U2, Andrea Corr and Daniel O'Donnell were among the mourners at the funeral of Irish music star Moya Brennan, who was described as the "first lady of Celtic music".

The married mother-of-two, who shot to renown as the lead singer of the Grammy-award winning group Clannad, died at the age of 73 earlier this week.

A large crowd packed into St Patrick's Church in Meenaweal, near Crolly, County Donegal, to reflect on and celebrate a life lived through music.

Fr Brian O'Fearraigh said they had gathered with heavy hearts but also with deep thanksgiving for the musician's life.

Brennan's family - including her sister, famed singer and musician Enya - as well as U2's Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr were among those told by Fr O'Fearraigh that when Brennan died, "it seemed as if a scared silence had descended for a while".

"The music stood still and her beautiful harp stood silently in the corner of her room as though keeping its own quite vigil of respect and honour.

"It was as if the silence itself seemed to sing Moya into eternity and home to heaven."

He added the "sound of silence" at her home following her death was replaced by a "musical celebration of a kind and well-lived life".

The Celtic folk singer, songwriter and harpist from the Irish-speaking Donegal Gaeltacht area of Gweedore recorded about 25 albums and sold millions of records worldwide.

She rose to prominence as part of her family's band, which formed in 1970 and later included Moya's younger sister, Enya.

A number of tributes have been paid to Brennan, who was regarded by many as the First Lady of Celtic Music, with Irish President Catherine Connolly saying her music would be enjoyed for generations to come.

There was a presentation of symbols from her life in the church, including a harp, a bodhrán [a traditional Irish drum], a prayer book, a family photograph and a Donegal GAA jersey.

Connolly said Moya Brennan had left an exceptional legacy of music that will be enjoyed for generations to come, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin said she was an iconic Irish voice.

She is survived by her husband, Tim Jarvis, and their daughter, Aisling, and son, Paul.

The big breakthrough for Clannad came with the release of the theme tune from the TV series Harry's Game in 1982, which was set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles.

At the Brennan family pub, Leo's Tavern, the young musician played with Clannad before they established their international reputation.

She supported and encouraged many young artists there every weekend.