Irish Music Icon Dies: Lunny's Bouzouki Legacy Ends At 79

Dónal Lunny, a musician who reshaped the sound of Ireland, has died at age 79 following a battle with cancer.

The artist passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, October 24, 2026, at St James's hospital in Dublin. His family confirmed the news later that day, stating he had been admitted for a short period before his death. A message posted to his Facebook page expressed the family's grief and thanked supporters who helped celebrate his life. The post ended with an Irish phrase, Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann, noting that his like will not be seen again.

Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Lunny built his reputation across decades of performance and recording. He first gained notice as part of the trio Rakes of Kildare, performing alongside his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He continued to play with numerous well-known groups, including Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin, and toured internationally throughout his career. While he played multiple instruments, he became best known for his skill with the bouzouki. He also wrote melodies and produced 17 albums through his own label, Mulligan Records.

President Catherine Connolly offered condolences to his family, friends and musical collaborators, calling him one of Ireland's greatest musical figures. In a statement issued on Friday, she described him as a wonderfully talented musician and producer who was central to many influential moments in Irish music over the past 60 years. She noted his work with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine, as well as his innovative projects with Planxty, the Bothy Band and Moving Hearts. Connolly also recognized his role in bringing the bouzouki into Irish music, a contribution acknowledged by his membership in Aosdána and a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards. She added that beyond his music, he will be remembered for his warmth and the strong connection he had with audiences in Ireland and abroad.

The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, said he was deeply saddened by the news, calling Lunny a colossus of Irish music as a performer, songwriter and producer. Martin said 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 online, describing him as a giant of Irish traditional music who helped shape the sound for generations and brought the country's musical heritage to audiences at home and abroad. She wrote that his contribution to Irish music and culture will never be forgotten.

Lunny's death follows his recognition at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards, where he received a lifetime achievement honor for his work with the bouzouki. The instrument, which he helped introduce into traditional Irish music, remains part of his legacy alongside his role as a melody writer and producer through Mulligan Records. He performed with Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and other groups across a career that spanned international touring. The Irish government and political figures have offered condolences to his family following the confirmation of his death.