Irish musician Dónal Lunny remembered at funeral service

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 15:43 · Archive

Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny, 79, has died after battling cancer.

Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny has died aged 79 after battling cancer. His funeral took place on Saturday morning at St Conleth's Parish Church in Newbridge, Co Kildare, with music featuring prominently throughout the service.

His daughter Cora and son Oisin paid tribute during the ceremony. Ms Lunny told mourners: 'We were all very lucky to be loved by this beautiful man.' She spoke of seeing her father performing recently, describing how he had been 'back where he was at home and playing at his full power and precision'. She recalled his ability to mimic the call of the curlew so perfectly that listeners could not distinguish his voice from the bird's.

Ms Lunny also thanked her father 'for bringing music to the children of Palestine, and for always being honest and caring', and for bringing 'joy to so many of us in so many ways'. Mr Lunny described his father as 'always great craic, a bit mischievous and a fantastically playful and wonderful dad'.

How it is being reported

• ‘We were lucky to be loved by this beautiful man’ Dónal Lunny’s funeral hearsThe 79-year-old musician passed away last week after battling cancerBelfast Live · 31 Oct, 15:22
• ‘We were lucky to be loved by this beautiful man’ Dónal Lunny’s funeral hearsBelfast Telegraph · 31 Oct, 13:48

In this story: Dónal Lunny · Cora Lunny · Oisin Lunny · Newbridge · Co Kildare

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