Mourners at St Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, Co Kildare, gathered to bid farewell to Dónal Lunny, the influential multi-instrumentalist and composer who died from cancer on October 23rd at the age of 79. Lunny, celebrated for popularising the bouzouki in Irish traditional music, was remembered by his family and peers as a profound musical force and a cherished father whose life spanned foundational bands including Planxty, the Bothy Band, and Moving Hearts. He is survived by his wife Úna and his children and grandchildren, and predeceased by his parents Frank and Mary and his son Shane.
A Final Farewell in Newbridge
Lunny was carried into the church in a simple wicker casket adorned with an unruly burst of wild flowers, autumn leaves, and stones, accompanied by his musical instruments and a book on mysticism. The President was represented at the service by her aide-de-camp, Commandant Colin Campbell, while Newbridge parish priest Fr Ruairí Ó Domhnaill presided alongside long-time friend Fr Paul Ward.
Family Tributes Highlight a Life in Music
During the service, family members shared personal recollections of the musician’s life both on and off the stage. She recalled walks on the hills where her father echoed the call of the curlew “perfectly, so you couldn’t tell if it was him or the curlew,” and thanked him for bringing music to the children of Palestine through his Gaza solidarity concerts. She also remembered “silly afternoons with our lovely brother Shane who should be here with us now,” recalling the youngest of the four siblings, who died tragically four years ago aged just 17. His son, Óisín Lunny, remembered him as a playfully mischievous dad and described touring Ireland in a transit van during school holidays, listening to “thunderously good music every evening.” Óisín Lunny recalled a father who “seemed to have a direct connection with the source of creativity” and noted it had been a privilege to work with him later in life.
Fellow bandmates perform during funeral Mass
Music remained central to the funeral Mass as fellow Planxty member Christy Moore sang “John O’Dreams.” Lunny’s partner, Úna O’Boyle, through words read by Cora Venus Lunny, recalled her husband describing them as “two surfboards on a magic river,” adding that all who shared his journey had been kept afloat by that same current. Born in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Lunny rose to prominence in the Rakes of Kildare alongside Christy Moore and his brother Frank before co-founding Planxty, which redefined group instrumental playing in Irish folk music. He was elected to Aosdána in 2006 and received lifetime achievement awards from BBC Radio 2 in 2018 and RTÉ Radio 1 in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dónal Lunny’s Life and Career
What bands was Dónal Lunny a member of?
Lunny was a key member of several defining Irish folk groups, including Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, Mozaik, and the Rakes of Kildare. Earlier in Dublin, he played in the Parnell Folk and Emmet Spiceland, with whom he had a No 1 hit with Mary from Dungloe in 1968.
Which instrument was he most famous for playing?
While he was a multi-instrumentalist who played guitar, keyboards, and bodhrán, he was best known for popularising the bouzouki within Irish traditional music after being introduced to it by Andy Irvine in 1970.
Where were public books of condolence opened?
Members of the public signed books of condolence at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge and at Kildare County Council’s offices.
What recognition did he receive for his artistic contributions?
He was elected to Aosdána in 2006 to honour his outstanding contribution to the creative arts in Ireland, and he received lifetime achievement accolades from both BBC Radio 2 and RTÉ Radio 1.