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Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79
Irish musician Dónal Lunny has died aged 79, prompting tributes from fellow musicians and cultural groups.
The Irish Times said he died on Friday morning in St James’s Hospital of cancer.
Born in Tullamore and raised in Newbridge, Lunny became a central figure in Irish folk and traditional music over a career spanning about 60 years.
He played several instruments, especially the bouzouki, and helped bring new sounds into traditional music.
He co-founded bands including Planxty and Moving Hearts, and also performed with The Bothy Band.
Lunny later co-founded Mulligan Records and produced albums, while working with artists including Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison.
His work helped bring Irish music to wider audiences, and tributes have recognised his influence on generations of musicians.
Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died aged 79.
He died on Friday morning at St James’s Hospital of cancer, The Irish Times reported.
A central figure in folk and traditional music for six decades, he was a founding member of Planxty, Moving Hearts and other bands.
Lunny was best known for playing the bouzouki and also worked as an arranger and producer.
He collaborated with artists including Christy Moore, Andy Irvine, Sinéad O’Connor and Elvis Costello.
- Who
- Dónal Lunny, an Irish traditional musician, died aged 79.
- What
- He died after a career spanning folk and traditional music, performing and producing.
- When
- Friday morning. The articles were published on 23 October 2026.
- Where
- St James’s Hospital, according to The Irish Times.
- Why
- The Irish Times reported that he died of cancer.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly.
He came to public attention as a member of Emmet Spiceland, whose single Mary from Dungloe reached number one in Ireland.
Lunny, Andy Irvine, Liam O’Flynn and Christy Moore formed Planxty.
He co-founded Mulligan Records.
Lunny received the lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards.
He died at St James’s Hospital, according to The Irish Times.
- Age
- 79
- Birthplace
- Tullamore, County Offaly
- First band
- Rakes of Kildare
- Breakthrough single
- Mary from Dungloe
- Record label
- Mulligan Records, co-founded in 1975
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What people are saying
a colossus of Irish music
I’ve known Dónal Lunny for 66 years
The chords were less dense. It was far easier to play chords. The bouzouki gave a much more open accompaniment to Irish music.