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Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79
EntertainmentMusicMusic News•October 24, 2026 at 9:44 AMNational

Dónal Lunny, ‘colossus of Irish music’, dies aged 79

By Press Association•The Guardian Music

Founding member of Planxty, Lunny went on to play for bands such as Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and CoolfinThe Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79 from cancer.Lunny rose to prominence in the trio Rakes of Kildare alongside his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He went on to play in bands such as Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin among others and toured the world. Continue reading...

Founding member of Planxty, Lunny went on to play for bands such as Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin

The Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died at the age of 79 from cancer.

Lunny rose to prominence in the trio Rakes of Kildare alongside his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He went on to play in bands such as Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin among others and toured the world.

Continue reading...