Celebrated Irish musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79

Irish traditional music legend Dónal Lunny has died aged 79, the BBC reported, ending a career that reshaped the sound of Irish folk.

Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, in 1947, Lunny moved to Newbridge, County Kildare, as a child and grew up with music as a constant presence. A multi-instrumentalist who played bouzouki, guitar, keyboards and bodhrán, he became one of the most influential figures in Irish music.

Lunny was a founding member of three landmark groups: Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts. With Planxty — formed alongside Christy Moore, Liam O'Flynn and Andy Irvine — he helped redefine traditional Irish music across three albums recorded between 1971 and 1973. He joined The Bothy Band in 1975, pushing the boundaries of the genre alongside players including Matt Molloy and Kevin Burke.

In 1992 he produced and served as musical director of the acclaimed television series Bringing It All Back Home, and in 2018 he received a lifetime achievement award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

The Irish Traditional Music Archive said his influence on Irish music was "immense," crediting him with opening new harmonic and rhythmic possibilities. Musician and composer Neil Martin, a long-time collaborator, called him an "extraordinary figure" whose death was "a bit of a shock" despite a period of ill health.

Lunny is survived by his children Oisin, Cora Venus and Sora Chan, and his partner Una O'Boyle.