Dónal Lunny, Who Helped Shape Modern Irish Folk Music, Dies Aged 79
Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland's most celebrated musicians, has died at the age of 79 from cancer, The Guardian reported. He died on Friday morning at St James's Hospital in Dublin.
His family said in a statement that he had "passed away peacefully" in Dublin after a short stay in the hospital.
Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly. He became known for his mastery of the bouzouki, a long-necked stringed instrument, and for his central role in bringing it into Irish music. He was a member of three bands that became important to the country's folk scene: Planxty, Moving Hearts and the Bothy Band.
RTÉ described him as having played a crucial role in the revival of traditional Irish music and the development of the Irish folk scene. He co-founded Mulligan Records, a record label, and produced 17 albums under it. In 2025 he received a lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.
Lunny's personal life was marked by loss. His son Shane died in 2022 at the age of 17. Shane's mother was the singer Sinéad O'Connor, who died in 2023, RTÉ reported.
Tributes followed his death. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Ireland's prime minister, called Lunny "a colossus of Irish music", according to TheJournal.ie.
