Dónal Lunny's death reshapes Irish folk canon after 17 albums

Dónal Lunny, the musician who brought the bouzouki to the forefront of Irish traditional music, died on Friday.

His family confirmed the death on social media, stating he passed away peacefully in the morning at St James's Hospital in Dublin. The announcement noted he had been in the hospital for a short stay before his death from cancer.

Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Lunny first gained national attention as a member of the Rakes of Kildare. He later became a central figure in the Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band, and Coolfin. These groups toured internationally, carrying Irish folk traditions to audiences around the world.

While he played multiple instruments, Lunny is best remembered for his work on the bouzouki. He established Mulligan Records, a label on which he produced 17 albums. His production work and melody writing are considered foundational to the modern revival of traditional Irish music.

President Catherine Connolly sent her deepest condolences to Lunny's family, friends, and collaborators. She described him as one of Ireland's greatest musical figures and a producer who was central to the country's musical history over the last 60 years. Connolly pointed to his long partnerships with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine as evidence of his influence.

Lunny's peers recognized his impact through his membership in Aosdána, an honor society for Irish artists. He also received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards for his role in integrating the bouzouki into the genre.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin called Lunny a colossus of Irish music, noting that he carried folk traditions to new audiences through his work with Planxty. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute, describing him as a giant of traditional music who helped shape the sound of the country for generations.