Dónal Lunny, one of the leading figures in Irish traditional music, has died of cancer at the age of 79, The Guardian reports. His family said on Facebook that he died peacefully at St James's hospital in Dublin on Friday morning after a short stay.
Born in Tullamore, County Offaly, Lunny first came to attention with his brother Frank and Christy Moore in the trio Rakes of Kildare, and later played with Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and Coolfin. He was best known for his bouzouki playing, which helped bring the instrument into Irish music, and he produced 17 albums on his own label, Mulligan Records.
President Catherine Connolly described him as one of Ireland's greatest musical figures. The taoiseach, Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald also paid tribute.
Source: The Guardian
