Funeral Service for Irish Folk Musician Dónal Lunny in County Kildare
The funeral of musician Dónal Lunny takes place at St Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, County Kildare, starting at 11am. Lunny died on October 23 at the age of 79 after being diagnosed with cancer. Due to limited church capacity, his family urged well-wishers and fans to participate in the service via a live stream.
In lieu of traditional floral arrangements, the family requested “Irish wild flowers, autumn leaves and stones,” as noted in their online funeral notice. They also encouraged supporters worldwide to share and play music over the weekend to celebrate the joy Lunny brought to listeners. Public books of condolence were opened at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge and at Kildare County Council’s offices.
Decades Shaping Traditional Irish Music and Iconic Bands
Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Lunny emerged as a multi-instrumentalist who was best known for his mastery of the bouzouki, though he also played the guitar, keyboards, and bodhrán. He rose to prominence in the Rakes of Kildare alongside Christy Moore and his brother Frank Lunny before co-founding Planxty with Moore, Andy Irvine, and Liam O’Flynn. Moore noted that Planxty would not have succeeded without “the genius and creativity of Dónal”.
Sadness at death of Kildare music legend Dónal Lunny www.kildarenow.com/news/sadness-at-death-of-kildare-music-legend-donal-lunny-9307019 pic.twitter.com/yAhGHNbDQY
Lunny subsequently joined the Bothy Band in 1975 and later played a role in Moving Hearts, Coolfin, and Mozaik. He also produced 17 albums on his record label, Mulligan Records. In recognition of his contributions, he was elected to Aosdána in 2006 and received lifetime achievement awards at the BBC Radio 2 folk awards in 2018 and the RTÉ Radio 1 folk awards in 2025.
Community Collaborations and Cultural Residency Programs
Beyond his major touring bands, Lunny maintained a connection to local arts communities, including a role in County Leitrim. He collaborated with musicians such as Eleanor Shanley, Fionnuala Maxwell, Charlie McGettigan, John Carty, and the late Séamus Begley through the Leitrim County Council’s Leitrim Equation cultural residency program. Shanley paid tribute to him on Facebook, calling him a “true genius and an absolute gentleman.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dónal Lunny’s Life and Legacy
Where was Dónal Lunny’s funeral held?
His funeral took place at St Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, County Kildare, at 11am, with capacity restricted to family and close friends.
What instruments did Dónal Lunny play?
While he was best known for his mastery of the bouzouki, he also played the guitar, keyboards, and bodhrán across various folk ensembles.
Which major bands featured Dónal Lunny?
He was a member of several groups, including Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, Coolfin, and Mozaik.
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