Culture & Arts
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Dónal Lunny dies aged 79: tributes to a colossus of Irish traditional music
Dónal Lunny, the Irish traditional musician and bouzouki player, died aged 79 from cancer on Friday morning at St James's hospital in Dublin, his family confirmed.
By Haut Monde Post
• October 25, 2026
• 3 Min Read
The news was confirmed in a post on Lunny's own Facebook page, which said the multi-instrumentalist, born in Tullamore, County Offaly, had passed away peacefully after a short stay in hospital.
A career across Ireland's landmark bands
Lunny first rose to prominence in the trio Rakes of Kildare, playing alongside his brother Frank and Christy Moore. From there he became a central figure in the revival of Irish traditional music, touring the world with some of its most celebrated groups.
- •Planxty
- •Moving Hearts
- •The Bothy Band
- •Coolfin
Alongside his performing career, he produced 17 albums under his own record label, Mulligan Records, and was best known for his mastery of the bouzouki.
President and Taoiseach lead tributes
President Catherine Connolly expressed her deepest condolences to Lunny's family, friends and many musical collaborators. In a statement, she paid tribute to his standing in the tradition.
"Dónal was one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer"
Connolly said he had been central to the most influential moments of the last 60 years of Irish music, and highlighted his long partnerships with fellow musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine. She also pointed to his membership of Aosdána and a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards as recognition of his legacy, noting his central role in introducing the bouzouki into Irish music and the warmth of his connection with audiences.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened, describing Lunny as a colossus of Irish music as a performer, songwriter and producer, and crediting him with carrying traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his other work.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald paid tribute online, calling Lunny a giant of Irish traditional music who helped shape the sound of Irish music for generations and brought the country's rich musical heritage to audiences at home and abroad. Her message ended: "Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam" - may his soul rest in peace.
Family's farewell
The family's post said they were heartbroken and thanked those who had helped to remember and celebrate his immense contribution to music and culture worldwide.
"We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning in Dublin"
It closed in Irish with the words "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann" - his likes will not be seen again.
