Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79

Irish traditional musician and multi-instrumentalist Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79, according to BBC News, the Irish Examiner, and RTÉ. The Liberal reported that Lunny passed away on Friday morning at St James's Hospital in Dublin. [1][2][4][7]

Lunny was a founding member of several major musical groups. BBC News and RTÉ both noted his founding role in Planxty, The Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts, while the Irish Examiner and thejournal.ie added that he also co-founded LAPD and Usher's Island. [1][2][3][4]

The journal.ie reported that Lunny was born in Tullamore, County Offaly, in 1947, before his family moved to Newbridge when he was five years old. As a teenager, he formed his first band, the Rakes of Kildare, alongside his older brother Frank and neighbour Christy Moore. [3]

Throughout his career, Lunny collaborated with and produced albums for numerous prominent artists. According to the Irish Examiner and the Irish Times, these included U2, Kate Bush, Sinéad O'Connor, Elvis Costello, and Van Morrison. BBC News added that he also composed scores for television dramas, documentaries, and films. [1][2][6]

Tributes have been paid to Lunny across the music industry. The Irish Examiner and thejournal.ie reported that the Irish Traditional Music Archive expressed deep sadness following the news of his death. [2][3]