Tributes have been paid to legendary Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny after his death at the age of 79.
Mr Lunny was a founding member of a number of groups in the 1960s, including Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and Usher’s Island and is credited with helping to “redefine Irish traditional music”.
Best known for his playing of the bouzouki, Mr Lunny was also highly skilled on the guitar, bodhrán, mandolin, keyboards, and struck up a lifelong friendship with Christy Moore.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was deeply saddened to hear of the musician’s death, and described him as a “colossus” of Irish music.
“Uniquely gifted, Dónal carried traditional and folk music to new audiences through Planxty and his many other endeavours,” Mr Martin said.
Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald said his contribution to Irish music “will never be forgotten”.
“A giant of Irish traditional music, Dónal helped shape the sound of Irish music for generations, bringing our rich musical heritage to audiences at home and around the world,” she said.
The National Concert Hall (NCH) said it was deeply saddened by his passing, describing him as “one of the most influential and innovative figures in Irish traditional music”.
“Through his pioneering work with Planxty, The Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and Usher’s Island, and collaborations with artists including Zoë Conway and Martin O’Connor, Dónal helped redefine Irish traditional music, bringing new sounds to the tradition and inspiring generations of musicians,” an NCH statement said.
“A gifted musician, arranger and producer, he was admired for his creativity, collaborative spirit and enduring contribution to Irish music.”
A native of Tullamore, Co Offaly, Mr Lunny had also alongside Christy Moore produced an album entitled H-Block in 1980 in which they expressed support for republican prisoners taking part in the blanket protest.
The Bobby Sands Trust extended its sympathies to Mr Lunny’s family in a statement on Friday.
