Dónal Lunny, an Irish traditional musician who shaped the sound of Irish folk music across five decades, has died at age 79 from cancer.
Lunny first gained prominence in the trio Rakes of Kildare, where he performed alongside his brother Frank and Christy Moore. He went on to found Planxty and later played in Moving Hearts, the Bothy Band and Coolfin, among other ensembles. His career spanned performances across the world.
The Guardian identifies him as a "colossus of Irish music," reflecting his influence on the genre's development and reach beyond Ireland's borders.