Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 19:08 · Archive

Dónal Lunny, a founding member of Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts, has died aged 79.

Dónal Lunny, one of Ireland's most celebrated traditional musicians, has died aged 79. A founding member of three influential bands—Planxty, The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts—he was widely credited with reviving and transforming Irish traditional music.

Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, in 1947, Lunny moved to County Kildare as a child. He first met musician Christy Moore in 1959 at school, and the two went on to found Planxty with Liam O'Flynn and Andy Irvine. The group recorded three albums between 1971 and 1973, with Lunny playing bouzouki, guitar, keyboards and bodhrán. In 1973, he established Mulligan Records, going on to produce 17 albums and publish music from artists including Boomtown Rats and The Radiators.

Beyond traditional music, Lunny composed and wrote scores for a range of projects including television dramas, documentaries and films. In recent years he worked with contemporary artists such as Kate Bush, Rod Stewart, Elvis Costello and Clannad. U2's Bono once described him as the island's 'answer to Quincy Jones'.

How it is being reported

• Celebrated Irish musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79A founding member of three renowned bands - The Bothy Band, Planxty and Moving Hearts - he was widely credited for the revival and growth of Irish traditional music.BBC Northern Ireland · 23 Oct, 18:39
• Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny dies aged 79Belfast Telegraph · 23 Oct, 17:58

In this story: Dónal Lunny · Planxty · The Bothy Band · Moving Hearts · Christy Moore · Ireland

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