Dónal Lunny forged a new Irish folk sound across 17 albums

Dónal Lunny, the musician and producer behind 17 albums, died on Friday at the age of 79.

His family confirmed the death on his Facebook page, stating he passed away peacefully in the morning at St James's hospital in Dublin. The post noted he had been in the hospital for a short stay before his death from cancer. The family described him as a beloved figure whose work contributed to music and culture worldwide. They closed the message in Irish with the phrase "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," which translates to the idea that his like will not be seen again.

Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly. He first gained attention as a member of the trio Rakes of Kildare, playing with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He subsequently performed with several well-known groups, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin. These bands toured internationally, exposing his playing style to a global audience.

While he played multiple instruments, Lunny is most associated with the bouzouki. He helped introduce the instrument to Irish traditional music, a role that peers recognized through his membership in Aosdána. He also received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards. Through his own label, Mulligan Records, he produced 17 albums, cementing his reputation as a key figure in the genre's revival.

President Catherine Connolly offered condolences to Lunny's family and collaborators. She called him one of Ireland's greatest musical figures and a talented musician and producer. Connolly pointed to his long partnerships with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, as well as his work with Planxty and the Bothy Band. She noted that his connection with audiences across Ireland and abroad was a defining trait of his career.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described Lunny as a colossus of Irish music. Martin said he was deeply saddened by the news and characterized Lunny as uniquely gifted. He stated that Lunny carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through his work with Planxty and other projects.

Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute online. She referred to Lunny as a giant of Irish traditional music who helped shape the sound of the genre for generations. McDonald wrote that his contribution to Irish music and culture would never be forgotten.