Dónal Lunny, Trailblazer of Traditional Irish Music, Dies at Age 79

Irish musician Dónal Lunny, who spearheaded a modern resurgence in traditional folk music through groups like Planxty, died Friday in Dublin at age 79.

Lunny died at St James’s Hospital in Dublin following an illness, according to a statement published on his official social media page.

Over a career spanning more than 60 years, the multi-instrumentalist transformed traditional soundscapes by blending ancient folk tunes with contemporary acoustic styles and electric instruments.

“A colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer,” said Micheál Martin, the Irish prime minister, in a statement published online.

Born in Offaly in 1947, Lunny spent his childhood in County Kildare, where he took up drums and guitar before forming an early musical partnership with singer Christy Moore.

The school friends created the Rakes of Kildare and later established Planxty alongside Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn, recording three albums between 1971 and 1973.

Lunny played a key role in introducing the Greek bouzouki to Irish traditional music, using the instrument to give folk melodies a driving, percussive rhythm.

He went on to co-found The Bothy Band in 1975 and Moving Hearts in 1981, expanding traditional sounds with rock instruments like bass, drums, and saxophone.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning in Dublin following a short stay in St James’s hospital,” a post on his Facebook page said.

Beyond performing, Lunny established Mulligan Records in 1973 to support folk artists, producing 17 albums for various acts on the label.

In 1981, he co-composed an interval piece titled Timedance for the Eurovision Song Contest with Bill Whelan, establishing a musical foundation that later inspired the stage show Riverdance.

“Uniquely gifted, Dónal carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his many other endeavours,” Martin said.

In later years, Lunny produced television scores and recorded with mainstream pop and rock stars, including Kate Bush, Elvis Costello, Mark Knopfler, and Rod Stewart.

Accounts differed regarding his cause of death, with The Guardian reporting that Lunny died of cancer, while The Irish Times attributed his death to a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, though cultural institutions across Ireland continue to pay tribute to his life and work.