The renowned musician, composer and producer, who helped transform the sound of Irish traditional music, passed away on Friday.
One of Newbridge's most celebrated musical figures, Dónal Lunny, has died at the age of 79.
The renowned musician, composer and producer, who helped transform the sound of Irish traditional music, passed away on Friday.
Born in Tullamore in 1947, Lunny moved to Kildare with his family at the age of five, growing up and attending school in Newbridge.
It was during those early years that he developed his passion for music and formed a friendship with fellow Kildare musician Christy Moore in 1959, beginning a musical partnership that would span more than six decades.
Lunny went on to become a founding member of Planxty alongside Moore, Liam O'Flynn and Andy Irvine, before helping shape the success of The Bothy Band and Moving Hearts.
His influence extended well beyond traditional music, with a distinguished career in composition and record production, working with artists including Kate Bush, Paul Brady and Elvis Costello.
In February 2025, Lunny received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the RTÉ Radio 1 Irish Folk Awards, recognising his extraordinary contribution to Irish music.
Tributes have been paid by President Catherine Connolly, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and musicians across the country.
The President of Ireland commented, "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."
For Newbridge and the wider Kildare community, his passing marks the loss of a musician whose early roots in the county helped shape a remarkable career and an enduring influence on Irish music.
He is survived by his partner Úna O'Boyle and his family.
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