Dónal Lunny, Irish music producer and bouzouki player, dies at 79
The musician produced 17 albums on his own label and was a central figure in the Irish folk revival for six decades.
By Andre Williams ·
Dónal Lunny, a producer and bouzouki player who helped define the sound of Irish traditional music, has died at the age of 79. His family confirmed on Friday that he passed away from cancer at St James's Hospital in Dublin after a short stay. He died in the morning.
A post on his Facebook page described the family as heartbroken. The message thanked those who helped celebrate his work in music and culture. It closed with the Irish phrase “Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann,” which translates to his like will not be seen again. Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly.
He first gained attention in the trio Rakes of Kildare, performing with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. Over the following decades, he played in several prominent groups, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin. While he was a multi-instrumentalist, he was best known for his skill on the bouzouki. He also wrote melodies and produced 17 albums through his own label, Mulligan Records.
President Catherine Connolly offered her condolences to Lunny’s family and collaborators. She described him as one of Ireland’s greatest musical figures and a talented musician and producer. Connolly noted that he was central to many influential moments in Irish music over the past 60 years. She specifically cited his long partnerships with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, as well as his work with Planxty, the Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts.
Connolly also highlighted his role in bringing the bouzouki into Irish music. His peers recognized this contribution through his membership in Aosdána, an academy of artists. He received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards. Connolly said Lunny would be remembered for his warmth and his strong connection with audiences in Ireland and abroad.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened by the news. He called Lunny a colossus of Irish music and described him as a uniquely gifted performer, songwriter, and producer. Martin stated that Lunny carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and other projects. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute online, calling him a giant of Irish traditional music who helped shape the country's sound for generations.
McDonald wrote that Lunny brought Ireland's musical heritage to audiences at home and abroad. She added that his contribution to music and culture would never be forgotten.
Source: The Guardian
