Renowned Irish Musician Dónal Lunny Remembered at Funeral in Kildare

Music, Poetry and the Bouzouki: Mourners Say Farewell to Dónal Lunny

Musician and composer Dónal Lunny was remembered at his funeral Mass on Saturday as an amazing father and a beautiful man who seemed to have a direct connection with the source of creativity. Lunny died on October 23rd at the age of 79 from cancer. His funeral at St Conleth’s Parish Church in Newbridge, Co Kildare, drew family, friends, and fellow musicians to pay tribute to a foundational figure in Irish traditional music.

Front and center at the altar sat his beloved bouzouki and bodhrán, with a black-and-white sketched portrait replacing the traditional photograph. Along with his musical instruments, a book on mysticism was presented as a memento of his life.

Family Tributes and Memories of the Road

During the service, family members shared personal recollections of Lunny’s warmth, playfulness, and dedication to his art. His daughter, Cora Venus Lunny, told mourners that they were all very lucky to have been loved by him, noting that it had been amazing to see him back on the road in recent months, playing at full power and precision. She recalled how he would perfectly echo the call of the curlew during walks on the hills, leaving listeners unable to tell if it was him or the bird.

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

— https://x.com/KildareNow/status/2113657873716990159

Renowned Irish Musician Dónal Lunny Remembered at Funeral in Kildare — Photo: The Journal

She also remembered “silly afternoons with our lovely brother Shane who should be here with us now,” referencing the youngest of the four siblings, the son of Lunny and the late Sinéad O’Connor, who died tragically four years ago at age 17. Furthermore, she thanked her father for bringing music to the children of Palestine through his Gaza solidarity concerts, and for always being caring and bringing joy in many ways.

His son, Óisín Lunny, recalled a fantastically playful dad who was always great craic and a bit mischievous. Óisín remembered traveling around Ireland during school holidays in a transit van, listening to thunderously good music every evening. Later in life, working alongside his father brought him a feeling of bursting with pride, describing Lunny as the best possible person to work with who brought things together in a way that translated into pure joy.

A Lifelong Legacy in Irish Folk Music

Born in Tullamore, Co Offaly, Lunny rose to prominence in the Rakes of Kildare alongside Christy Moore and his brother Frank, later playing in bands such as Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts, and Coolfin. He was a talented melody writer who produced 17 albums on his record label, Mulligan Records, and was considered central to the revival of traditional music.

Music featured heavily during the funeral mass at St Conleth’s Parish Church. Andy Irvine, who was a member of Planxty, was among the many musicians attending and playing at the service.

President Catherine Connolly was represented at the service by her aide-de-camp, Commandant Colin Campbell. Public books of condolence were also opened at the Riverbank Arts Centre in Newbridge and Kildare County Council’s offices.

Concluding the tributes, Lunny’s friend, the poet Theo Dorgan, wrote lines dedicated to the musician: “You brought summer to our heart. Now we must let you go. Go with our gratitude, dear man, into the mystery.” Lunny is survived by his partner, Úna; three children, Óisín, Cora Venus and Sola; his three grandchildren and eight brothers and sisters.