Trad legend Dónal Lunny to be laid to rest on Saturday

Dónal Lunny played a pivotal role in the evolution of Irish trad music. Picture: Denis Minihane

Trad icon Dónal Lunny will be laid to rest in Newbridge, Co Kildare, on Saturday.

In a funeral notice on RIP.ie, Mr Lunny's family asked fans to attend the funeral via live stream, with capacity in St Conleth's Church limited to family and close friends.

“Irish wild flowers, autumn leaves and stones in lieu of flowers,” the notice read.

“In Dónal’s memory, his family would also like to encourage people throughout the world (including the moon!) to play and share music with friends and family this weekend, celebrating the joy and connection that Dónal’s music brought to so many.

"Please feel free to share your words and music using the hashtag #donallunnyfleadh.” 

Throughout a glittering career, Mr Lunny played a pivotal role in the evolution of Irish trad music. He was a founding member of a number of bands including Planxty, Moving Hearts, LAPD, and Usher’s Island.

Born in Tullamore, Co Offaly in 1947, Mr Lunny grew up in Newbridge. He was close friends and neighbours with Christy Moore. In the early 1960s, alongside his older brother Frank, Mr Lunny formed the Rakes of Kildare with Mr Moore.

Steeped in folk and traditional music, Mr Lunny collaborated with U2, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello, and Van Morrison. He helped shape Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, an album that keyed heavily off the influence of Celtic music.

In 2025, Mr Lunny received the lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards, which was presented to him by Christy Moore.

A public book of condolences will be available to sign at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge on the day of the funeral.