Dónal Lunny Dies At 79 After Short Hospital Stay In Dublin

Dónal Lunny, a musician who helped bring the bouzouki into the sound of Irish traditional music, died on Friday at the age of 79. His family confirmed he passed away from cancer that morning at St James's Hospital in Dublin after a brief admission.

A post on his Facebook page carried the family's notice. "We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning," it read. The message thanked those who helped mark his "immense contribution to music, to culture and to so many people's lives all over the world." It closed with an Irish line, "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," translated in the post as his like will not be seen again.

Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Lunny first drew attention in the trio Rakes of Kildare with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He later played in Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin, and toured internationally. He played several instruments, and produced 17 albums through his label, Mulligan Records.

President Catherine Connolly offered condolences to his family, friends and musical collaborators. She called him "one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer" and cited his role in work that shaped Irish music across 60 years. Her remarks also pointed to his partnerships with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, and to his work with Planxty, the Bothy Band and Moving Hearts.

Connolly noted his part in bringing the bouzouki into Irish music, a contribution his peers recognized through his membership in Aosdána. He also received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" and called Lunny "a colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer." Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald wrote that he was "a giant of Irish traditional music" who carried the country's musical heritage to audiences at home and abroad.