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

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.

A post on his Facebook page confirmed that Lunny died in St James’s hospital in Dublin on Friday morning.

“We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning in Dublin following a short stay in St James’s hospital,” the post said. “Thank you for helping us to remember and celebrate his immense contribution to music, to culture and to so many people’s lives all over the world.”

The Irish president, Catherine Connolly, expressed her “deepest condolences to the family, friends and many musical collaborators of Dónal Lunny”.

In a statement, she said: “Dónal was one of Ireland’s greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer who was central to so many of the most influential moments of the last 60 years of Irish music.

“Dónal will be particularly remembered for his long partnerships with fellow musicians such as Christy Moore and Andy Irvine and for the innovative music he has left behind both as a musician in groups including Planxty, the Bothy Band and Moving Hearts and also as a renowned producer.