I grew up in the house behind my grandparents in Upper Dore. My grandfather, Hugh Duggan, was the headmaster of the school just down the road. In those days there were very few houses around us so my earliest memories are of open spaces – the mountains behind and the sea down below across Bunbeg to the front. It’s little wonder that the landscape and atmosphere of Donegal have found their way into my music. The two are inseparable.

My father, Leo, was in a dance hall band and I remember going with him to for St Patrick’s weekend when I was twelve to sing and dance during his concerts. The dance halls died out and he bought a pub - now the famous Leo’s Tavern - which has been his (and our) stage for the past forty years. It was here that, as , we got our first playing experience and the journey from there has taken us onto some of the great stages of the world.

Music was a huge part of our upbringing. My mother was also a music teacher and directs the choir in Derrybeg Chapel. I used to sing in the Irish musicals at the Amhraclan Gaothdobhair and started learning the harp when I was thirteen.

I am passionate about my Donegal home and on my travels around the world. I meet many Donegal people who all share that passion. Like me, they seem to feel a part of them is missing when they’re not here. It’s been great to see so many return in recent years and we look forward to making Donegal the striving, vibrant place it can be with the enterprise, music and unique culture that exist here in such beautiful, rich abundance.

I’m so looking forward to Christmas in Donegal. I’ll be playing at the Winter School in Dun Lewy but, as a family, we’ll enjoy catching up and the warmth of home – whatever the weather.

I want to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and hope that the season brings you the very best.

Moya Brennan

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