The Green Post Ireland
Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland’s most influential traditional musicians, composers and producers, has died at the age of 79.
The celebrated multi-instrumentalist, whose work with Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts helped transform Irish folk music, died on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
President Catherine Connolly and Taoiseach Micheál Martin led tributes to a musician widely regarded as a driving force behind the revival and international growth of Irish traditional music.
Dónal Lunny Helped Transform Irish Traditional Music
Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, in March 1947, Lunny grew up in Newbridge, County Kildare, where he developed an early passion for music.
He met fellow musician Christy Moore in 1959, beginning a friendship and creative partnership that would span more than six decades.
Lunny later moved to Dublin to study at the National College of Art and Design, but his growing musical career soon became his primary focus.
His early groups included the Parnell Folk Band and Emmet Spiceland, before he helped establish Planxty alongside Moore, Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn.
Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts
As a founding member of Planxty, Lunny played a central role in developing a new sound that combined traditional Irish melodies with innovative arrangements and instrumentation.
He became particularly associated with introducing the bouzouki into modern Irish traditional music.
His work on guitar, bouzouki, keyboards and bodhrán helped shape the group’s influential recordings.
In 1975, Lunny joined The Bothy Band, collaborating with musicians including Matt Molloy, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Kevin Burke and Paddy Keenan.
He later became a key figure in Moving Hearts, continuing his exploration of new musical approaches.
Acclaimed Producer and Composer
Lunny’s influence extended far beyond live performance.
He established Mulligan Records in 1973 and became an acclaimed producer, arranger and composer.
Throughout his career, he worked on recordings involving artists such as Kate Bush, Paul Brady, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, Clannad and Sinéad O’Connor.
He also contributed music to television productions, documentaries and films.
In 1992, Lunny served as musical director and producer of the acclaimed television series Bringing It All Back Home, which explored connections between Irish music and other musical traditions.
His contributions to music earned him membership of Aosdána and widespread recognition throughout Ireland and internationally.
Lifetime Achievement Award in 2025
In February 2025, Lunny received a lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Folk Awards in Dublin’s Vicar Street.
His longtime friend Christy Moore presented the honour, celebrating their decades of musical collaboration.
Lunny received a standing ovation and reflected on a lifetime devoted to performing and creating music.
He continued performing in later life, including an appearance at the 2026 Fleadh Ceoil in Belfast.
A documentary about his life, In Time: Dónal Lunny, was broadcast by RTÉ in August 2026.
President and Taoiseach Lead Tributes
President Catherine Connolly described Lunny as one of Ireland’s greatest musical figures, praising his central role in shaping Irish music over six decades.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin called him a colossus of Irish music who introduced traditional and folk sounds to new audiences.
Musician Sharon Shannon described his death as an immeasurable loss to the traditional music community and to those who knew him personally.
Dónal Lunny’s Family and Legacy
Lunny is survived by his partner Úna O’Boyle and his children Oisín, Cora Venus and Sora Chan, along with other family members.
His son Shane, whose mother was singer Sinéad O’Connor, died in 2022 at the age of 17. O’Connor died in 2023.
Through his groundbreaking recordings, influential bands and decades of collaboration, Lunny leaves a lasting legacy that helped redefine Irish traditional music for generations of performers and listeners.
