Family pay tribute to musical legend Donal Lunny

“WE were lucky to be loved by this beautiful man”, was the central tribute paid by the family of international musician Donal Lunny (79) from Ryston in Newbridge who died last week, and was buried in his home town at the weekend.

“A lot of you know him as Dónal off the telly, but he was even better at home, what an amazing man, and thank you so much dad,” said his daughter Cora at the funeral mass in St Conleth’s Church.

“Music was his life so during school holidays I got to out and travel round Ireland with him and his wonderful musical families, so I have memories of bouncing round single-lane roads in rural Ireland in a transit van and hearing absolutely thunderously good music every evening – it was such a privilege,” said son Oisín.

“Later on, I had the chance to work with him on some music, and I remember frequently being overcome with the feeling of bursting with pride, not only was he a great friend and father, he was absolutely the best possible person to work with, and he brought things together in a way that was so elegant, and seemingly effortless, it just translated into pure joy,” he added.

Donal Lunny did his Leaving Cert in the Patrician College in 1964, and despite the best efforts of the staff there, it seems Cliff Richard and the Beatles were more influential than Shakespeare and Peig.

Donal began his musical career with the Rakes of Kildare with his brother Frank and Christy Moore.

This blossomed out over the coming years into Planxty, Moving Hearts and the Bothy Band – musicians that brought Irish music to an international audience over the last 40 years.

Donal played up to 12 instruments, but was most famous for the bouzouki, and also produced 17 albums of traditional music on his label Mulligan Records.

Fittingly, Donal was waked at the Ryston Social Club, directly opposite the Lunny family home where his sister Roisin still lives.

He is survived by his wife Úna, children Cora, Sola and Oisín.

He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Mary, and his son Shane.