Late Late Show honours Dónal Lunny and features Beoga’s tour protest

Friday night’s edition of The Late Late Show paid tribute to Irish musician Dónal Lunny and included a discussion by folk band Beoga about withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour.

Tribute to Dónal Lunny

Host Patrick Kielty opened the programme by sending love to Lunny’s family and friends, noting that his music and legacy will endure. Beoga performed a special rendition of their tune “Up” in Lunny’s honour, highlighting his influence on Irish folk music. Band member Sean Óg Graham described playing with Lunny as “magical” and recalled his kindness during the Bothy Band reunion.

Lunny, a founding member of Planxty, Moving Hearts, LAPD and Usher’s Island, had collaborated with artists such as U2, Kate Bush, Sinéad O’Connor, Elvis Costello and Van Morrison since the 1960s.

Beoga’s decision to quit Ed Sheeran tour

Following their performance, Beoga members Niamh Dunne and Eamon Murray explained their political stance after pulling out of Ed Sheeran’s tour earlier this year. The band joined other acts in protesting the removal of rapper Macklemore from the tour after his pro‑Palestinian statements in New Jersey.

Dunne said the band were shocked by the influence of powerful lobbies in the United States and felt compelled to draw a “line in the sand” against silencing voices calling for an end to the Gaza conflict. Murray added that they remain in contact with Sheeran, describing him as a good friend, and hope to keep the door open for dialogue.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Big Bag Films / Pexels.