Andy Irvine pays tribute to Dónal Lunny: ‘The first 18 months of Planxty were the most joyous of my life up to then’

The recent passing of Dónal Lunny has prompted reflections on the profound musical legacy he leaves behind, notably from his longtime collaborator and friend, Andy Irvine. Their bond, forged over five decades, began in the 1960s Dublin music scene and blossomed into a creative partnership that helped shape Irish folk music.

Irvine first encountered Lunny during a chance meeting in Rathmines, Dublin. At the time, Irvine was searching for accommodation, and although he did not secure the bedsit where Lunny lived, the meeting marked the start of a significant relationship. Their shared passion for traditional music soon brought them together to play, with their first public collaboration occurring in 1970 at an event organized by the Irish-Soviet Friendship Society. Despite having never played together before, they swiftly prepared a short set, showcasing Lunny’s remarkable ability to quickly adapt and master new material.

This initial musical connection led to the formation of “The Mugs Gig,” a group they established that performed in venues such as Slattery’s on Capel Street. Their performances there eventually paved the way for what would become Planxty, a band that would leave an indelible mark on the Irish folk revival. Early rehearsals and concerts, including gigs at Trinity College’s Exam Hall and recordings for radio, cemented their collaboration.

A notable aspect of their partnership was Lunny’s versatility and empathy as a musician, qualities Irvine admired deeply. Lunny’s knack for crafting complementary accompaniments elevated the songs they performed together, a talent that would attract other prominent Irish musicians. Christy Moore, a close associate of Lunny’s, invited both Irvine and Lunny to contribute to a recording that culminated in the album "Prosperous." This project ultimately inspired the formation of Planxty, with Liam O’Flynn completing the quartet.

The initial 18 months of Planxty’s existence stood out for Irvine as a period of extraordinary joy and creative fulfillment. The group’s dynamic was marked by not only musical innovation but also a camaraderie that extended beyond the stage. Lunny and Moore’s lively rapport provided a source of humor during extensive tours across Ireland, reinforcing the strong personal ties within the band.

Planxty’s influence on Irish traditional music is widely acknowledged, with Lunny’s contributions seen as integral to the group’s distinctive sound and success. His ability to unify the ensemble’s diverse talents and to innovate within traditional frameworks helped establish a new standard for folk music performance and arrangement.

Beyond Planxty, Lunny’s musicianship inspired many, and his legacy continues to resonate within the folk community. Irvine’s reflections underscore the depth of Lunny’s impact both as a collaborator and as a friend, emphasizing the enduring nature of his contributions to Irish music.

Although details regarding Lunny’s broader career and final years remain limited in this account, his role in the pioneering Irish folk scene and his close friendships with fellow musicians like Irvine and Moore are clear. His passing represents a significant loss to the musical world, but his work and spirit persist through the recordings and memories left behind.

In sum, Andy Irvine’s tribute, as reported by irishtimes.com, highlights an extraordinary partnership that shaped a key chapter in Irish music history. It serves as a reminder of the creativity, friendship, and joy that defined Lunny’s life and work, ensuring his name will be remembered and celebrated for generations.