Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79
Dónal Lunny at De Barra's, Clonakilty, in 2017. Picture: Denis Minihane
Tributes have been paid to Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny, who has died aged 79.
Lunny was a founding member of a number of bands, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, LAPD and Usher’s Island.
A central figure in folk and traditional music since the 1960s, the musician worked with artists such as U2, Kate Bush, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison.
In a post on Instagram, the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) said it was “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.
“As a musician, arranger and producer, Dónal opened new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities in our melody tradition. Through Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and a lifetime of collaboration, his imagination helped shape the sound of Irish music over more than half a century,” the post read.
ITMA said the multi-instrumentalist was best known for his bouzouki playing, but also played guitar, bodhrán, mandolin, keyboards and synthesiser, as well as singing.
It said his musical life was founded on creativity, friendship and collaboration.
Born in Tullamore, Co Offaly in 1947, Lunny grew up in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Among his school pals was Christy Moore, one of his great collaborators. Lunny was the cornerstone of several iconic bands, including Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, and his fingerprints can be found in the music of artists like Mark Knopfler, Elvis Costello and Clannad.
Lunny joined his first band as a teenager, forming the Rakes of Kildare with his older brother Frank and neighbour Christy Moore, whom he remained friends with and collaborated with throughout his life.
He attended the National College of Art and Design, where he studied graphic design before devoting himself to music.
He first came to public attention in 1968 as a member of the vocal harmony group Emmet Spiceland, when their single Mary from Dungloe went to number one in Ireland.
Last year, he received the lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, which was presented to him by Christy Moore.
William Hammond of Cork Folk Festival also his expressed his sorrow at Lunny’s passing. ‘We worked with Donal on many projects over 20 years and his knowledge and professionalism earned him the respect and trust of the festival team. He was also a joy to have around during a festival, with his good humour and ease to work with.”
One of his final visits to Cork came in September 2025, when he performed alongside Andy Irvine following a screening of at the Triskel for the Sounds from a Safe Harbour festival.
