Dónal Lunny, producer of 17 albums, dies in Dublin at 79

Dónal Lunny, the bouzouki player and producer who shaped the sound of Irish traditional music for six decades, has died at the age of 79. His family confirmed the news on Friday, stating that he passed away peacefully at St James's hospital in Dublin after a short hospital stay. The cause of death was cancer.

Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly. He first gained recognition as a member of the trio Rakes of Kildare, performing with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He subsequently joined several prominent groups, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin. These ensembles toured internationally, establishing Lunny as a central figure in the revival of traditional music.

While proficient on multiple instruments, Lunny was best known for his mastery of the bouzouki. He was also a skilled melody writer. Through his own label, Mulligan Records, he produced 17 albums. His work with the bouzouki was recognized by his peers through his membership in Aosdána and a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

President Catherine Connolly issued a statement offering her "deepest condolences to the family, friends and many musical collaborators." She described Lunny as "one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer." Connolly noted his central role in bringing the bouzouki into Irish music and his long partnerships with musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" by the news. He called Lunny "a colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer." Martin added that Lunny was "uniquely gifted" and carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his other projects. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute, describing him as "a giant of Irish traditional music" who helped shape the country's sound for generations.

A post on Lunny's Facebook page thanked those who helped celebrate his "immense contribution to music, to culture and to so many people's lives all over the world." The message closed with the Irish phrase "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," which translates to his like will not be seen again. The family requested that his memory be honored through his music and the connections he forged with audiences worldwide.