President leads tributes to music legend Dónal Lunny
Dónal Lunny was founding member of Planxty, alongside Moore, Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn, before joining The Bothy Band and later - Moving Hearts
Musician Dónal Lunny, one of the most influential figures in Irish traditional music, has died aged 79, leaving behind a remarkable musical legacy and strong connections to County Kildare, where he grew up in Newbridge.
He passed away in St James’s Hospital in Dublin on Friday morning after suffering from cancer.
One of his Dónal’s last appearances in public was at an event in Ubh café in Newbridge on September 18 when local music fans gathered to celebrate one of the most influential albums in the history of Irish traditional music: Planxty’s self-titled debut.
President Catherine Connolly expressed her deepest condolences to Dónal’s family, friends and many musical collaborators.
She said: “Dónal was one of Ireland’s greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer who was central to so many of the most influential moments of the last 60 years of Irish music.
“Dónal will be particularly remembered for his long partnerships with fellow musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine and for the innovative music he has left behind both as a musician in groups including Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts and also as a renowned producer.
“This rich musical legacy, including his central role in the introduction of the bouzouki into Irish music, was appropriately recognised by his fellow artists in Dónal’s membership of Aosdána, as well as the well-deserved recognition which he received in being awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 RTE Radio One Irish Folk Awards.
“Beyond his music, Dónal will be remembered for his warmth and the strong connection which he had with audiences all over Ireland and beyond.
“He will be deeply missed.”
The special Broken Record event in Newbridge on Culture Night saw broadcaster Joe Donnelly and music journalist Zara Hedderman explore the story behind the landmark 1972 album.
Born in Tullamore in March 1947, Lunny moved to Kildare with his family when he was five.
He was raised and educated in Newbridge, where his early musical adventures included playing with the group Rakes of Kildare alongside his brother Frank and lifelong friend Christy Moore.
Lunny’s musical career helped reshape Irish traditional music through his work with some of the country’s most celebrated groups.
He was a founding member of Planxty, alongside Moore, Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn, before joining The Bothy Band in 1975. He later became a key figure in Moving Hearts, continuing to combine traditional sounds with new musical influences.
A gifted multi-instrumentalist, Lunny championed the bouzouki in Irish music and was renowned for his work as a composer, arranger and producer. His credits extended well beyond traditional music, including projects with international artists and acclaimed television and film productions.
He also established Mulligan Records in 1973, helping bring a wide range of Irish artists to audiences.
In February 2025, Lunny received a lifetime achievement award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Folk Awards, presented by his old friend Christy Moore. He was also among the performers at Fleadh Cheoil in Belfast in 2026.
His influence was rooted in a lifelong commitment to developing Irish music while respecting its traditions.
For Kildare, his story remains closely connected to Newbridge, the town where his musical journey began.