Celebrated Irish musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79
Renowned Irish musician and multi-instrumentalist Dónal Lunny has passed away at the age of 79. A founding member of influential groups like The Bothy Band and Planxty, he was a pivotal figure in the revival and evolution of traditional Irish music.
Why it matters
Lunny's death marks the loss of a foundational architect of modern Irish folk music whose influence spanned decades and crossed genres.
Image caption, Lunny formed some of the most influential musical groups in the Irish music scene
One of Ireland's most-celebrated traditional musicians and multi-instrumentalists, Dónal Lunny, has died aged 79.
A founding member of three renowned bands - The Bothy Band, Planxty and Moving Hearts - he was widely credited for the revival and growth of Irish traditional music.
He also composed and wrote scores for a wide range of projects including TV dramas, documentaries and films.
In recent years he worked with contemporary artists such as Kate Bush, Rod Stewart, Elvis Costello, Clannad and Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler.
He is noted for having left a lasting impact on the music scene in Ireland and was once described by U2's Bono as the island's "answer to Quincy Jones".
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Dónal Lunny, Trailblazer of Traditional Irish Music, Dies at Age 79
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