Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79

Founding member of Planxty, Lunny went on to play for bands such as Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin

The Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79 from cancer.

Lunny rose to prominence in the band Rakes of Kildare alongside Christy Moore and his brother Frank. He went on to play in bands such as Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin among others and toured the world.

A post on his Facebook page confirmed that Lunny died in St James’s hospital in Dublin on Friday morning.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning in Dublin following a short stay in St James’s hospital,” the post said. “Thank you for helping us to remember and celebrate his immense contribution to music, to culture and to so many people’s lives all over the world.”

The Irish president, Catherine Connolly, expressed her “deepest condolences to the family, friends and many musical collaborators of Dónal Lunny”.

In a statement, she said: “Dónal was one of Ireland’s greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer who was central to so many of the most influential moments of the last 60 years of Irish music.

“Dónal will be particularly remembered for his long partnerships with fellow musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine and for the innovative music he has left behind both as a musician in groups including Planxty, the Bothy Band and Moving Hearts and also as a renowned producer.

“This rich musical legacy, including his central role in the introduction of the bouzouki into Irish music, was appropriately recognised by his fellow artists in Dónal’s membership of Aosdána, as well as the well-deserved recognition which he received in being awarded a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

“Beyond his music, Dónal will be remembered for his warmth and the strong connection which he had with audiences all over Ireland and beyond. He will be deeply missed.”

The post ended in Irish, saying his likes will not be seen again: “Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann.”

Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly, and was a multi-instrumentalist but was best known for his mastery of the bouzouki. He was a talented melody writer and considered central to the revival of traditional music as he produced 17 albums under his record label Mulligan Records.

Paying tribute to the folk musician, the taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of his passing. “A colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer,” he wrote in a post on social media.

“Uniquely gifted, Dónal carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his many other endeavours.”

Sinn Féin’s president, Mary Lou McDonald, also paid tribute online, saying: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dónal Lunny. A giant of Irish traditional music, Dónal helped shape the sound of Irish music for generations, bringing our rich musical heritage to audiences at home and around the world. His contribution to Irish music and culture will never be forgotten.

“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam [may his soul rest in peace].”