Dónal Lunny, Mulligan Records founder, dies in Dublin at 79

Dónal Lunny, the Irish musician who played bouzouki in Planxty and the Bothy Band, died from cancer on Friday morning at St James's hospital in Dublin. He was 79 and had been in the hospital for a short stay. A post on his Facebook page confirmed the death: "We are heartbroken to confirm that our beloved Dónal passed away peacefully this morning."

Lunny grew up in Tullamore, County Offaly. His first taste of the spotlight came in the trio Rakes of Kildare, where he played with his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He later joined Planxty, Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin, and toured internationally.

He could play many instruments but is best known for the bouzouki, a long-necked string instrument he helped bring into Irish music. He also wrote melodies and produced records. Through his label, Mulligan Records, he put out 17 albums.

President Catherine Connolly offered her condolences to his family, friends and musical collaborators, calling him "one of Ireland's greatest musical figures, a wonderfully talented musician and producer." Connolly said Lunny was part of many influential moments in Irish music over the past 60 years and worked closely with Christy Moore and Andy Irvine. His peers recognized his work with a place in Aosdána, and he received a lifetime achievement award at the 2025 RTÉ Radio 1 Irish folk awards.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he was "deeply saddened" and called Lunny "a colossus of Irish music, as a performer, songwriter and producer." Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald wrote that he helped shape the sound of Irish music for generations and that his work "will never be forgotten."

The Facebook post ended with an Irish phrase, "Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann," which translates as his like will not be seen again. The family thanked those who helped remember his contribution to music and culture.