At 79, Dónal Lunny leaves behind 17 albums that shaped Irish folk

Irish traditional music has lost one of its central figures. Dónal Lunny, the multi-instrumentalist and producer who helped define the modern folk sound, died on Friday at the age of 79. His family announced the news after he passed away peacefully in the morning at St James's hospital in Dublin. The death followed a short stay at the facility, where he was receiving treatment for cancer.

Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly. He first gained public attention as a member of the Rakes of Kildare, a trio that included his brother Frank and Christy Moore. Over the following decades, he performed with a series of influential groups, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin. While he played several instruments, he is most widely recognized for his mastery of the bouzouki, an instrument he integrated into the Irish traditional repertoire.

Beyond his performance work, Lunny built a substantial commercial legacy. Through his own label, Mulligan Records, he produced 17 albums. These recordings documented the development of Irish folk music and helped bring the genre to a wider global audience. Peers recognized his impact through his membership in Aosdána and a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

President Catherine Connolly offered her condolences to Lunny's family and collaborators. She described him as one of Ireland's greatest musical figures and noted his central role in the past 60 years of Irish music. Connolly cited his long partnerships with musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, as well as his innovative work with Planxty and the Bothy Band. She stated that Lunny would be remembered for his warmth and his strong connection with audiences both in Ireland and abroad.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened by the news. He referred to Lunny as a colossus of Irish music and a uniquely gifted songwriter and producer. Martin noted that Lunny carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his other projects. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute, describing Lunny as a giant of Irish traditional music who helped shape the country's sound for generations.

The family's statement on Lunny's Facebook page thanked those who had helped celebrate his contribution to music and culture. The message closed with the Irish phrase "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," which translates to "his like will not be seen again."