Tributes Flow for Irish Music Legend Dónal Lunny

Musician Tom Dunne paid heartfelt tribute to Dónal Lunny, describing the ubiquitous “Dónal magic” that underpins much of modern Irish music.

Dunne recalled a conversation with American singer‑songwriter Steve Earle in 2000, when Earle noted that great Irish tracks almost always featured Lunny’s involvement. Dunne agreed, citing Lunny’s work with Emmet Spiceland, Planxty, The Bothy Band, Andy Irvine/Paul Brady, Moving Hearts and countless collaborations.

The tribute highlighted Lunny’s role on Sharon Shannon’s “The Cavan Potholes”, a track that first appeared on his own album Common Ground. Dunne noted Lunny’s habit of down‑playing his contributions, yet his presence was felt in projects ranging from U2 and Elvis Costello to Kate Bush’s “Jig of Life” on Hounds of Love and the re‑worked “Joycean soliloquy” on Bush’s The Sensual World.

Born in 1947, Lunny arrived in Dublin in 1965 to study at NCAD, playing early gigs with Christy Moore and performing at venues such as the 95 Club and the Mug’s Gig. Within a decade he had moved from chart‑topping Emmet Spiceland to the influential ranks of Planxty and The Bothy Band.

His production credits include Sinéad O’Connor’s 2002 album Séan‑Nós Nua, and he co‑wrote Moving Hearts’ “Lake of Shadows”. Dunne concluded that any project bearing Lunny’s name was a guarantee of quality.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Andreu Marquès / Pexels.