Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79
Summary
Dónal Lunny, a well-known Irish traditional musician, died at age 79 from cancer. He was famous for his work with several bands and for helping modernize Irish folk music, especially by introducing the bouzouki instrument.Key Facts
- Dónal Lunny died peacefully in St James’s hospital in Dublin.
- He was 79 years old and had a short illness due to cancer.
- Lunny played in important Irish music groups like Planxty, Moving Hearts, and the Bothy Band.
- He was known for using the bouzouki, a Greek string instrument, in Irish music.
- Lunny produced 17 albums through his own record label called Mulligan Records.
- He was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.
- Irish leaders, including President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, offered condolences and praised his influence on Irish music.
- Sinn Féin’s leader Mary Lou McDonald said Lunny shaped Irish traditional music for many generations.
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