Musician Dónal Lunny Buries Past in Newbridge

St Conleth's Church in Newbridge, County Kildare, filled with mourners on Saturday for the funeral of Dónal Lunny. The renowned musician and composer died on October 23 at the age of 79 from cancer. His family asked that attendees skip formal floral tributes, so a simple wicker casket adorned with wild flowers, autumn leaves, and stones was carried to the altar.

Cora Venus Lunny, his daughter, shared memories of her father with those gathered. She described him as an amazing father and a beautiful man. She recalled how he could perfectly echo the call of a curlew, making it impossible to tell if the sound came from the bird or him. She also remembered the silly afternoons spent with their late brother Shane, who died four years ago at age 17. Cora Venus thanked her father for bringing music to the children of Palestine through his Gaza solidarity concerts.

Her brother, Óisín Lunny, remembered a fantastically playful dad. He said his father seemed to have a direct connection with the source of creativity. Óisín noted that his music explored emotional landscapes that many people could not navigate. He added that the music helped the family find their identity and soul.

Music played a central role in the Mass. Christy Moore, a fellow band member in the folk group Planxty, sang John O'Dreams. He softly delivered the lines, Here comes the rover, his journey's over. Andy Irvine, another Planxty member, also attended and played. The group helped revive Irish traditional and folk music for a new generation.

Una O'Boyle, Lunny's partner, chose to contradict the idea that his journey was over. In words read by Cora Venus, she recounted a final thought her husband shared with her. He told her they were two surfboards on a magic river. She decided that everyone who shared his journey had been kept afloat by their involvement. She wrote that the magic river will continue to flow.

A book on mysticism and a black and white sketched portrait were presented as mementos of his life. His bouzouki and bodhrán sat in the front row. President Catherine Connolly was represented by her aide de camp, Commandant Colin Campbell. Fr Ruairí Ó Domhnaill and Fr Paul Ward presided over the service.

The livestream of the ceremony crashed temporarily due to the high number of online viewers. Many who could not attend in person sent condolence messages. They thanked him for small gestures, such as giving 10 shillings to a stranded fan for a taxi or playing for striking workers. Lunny is survived by his partner, three children, three grandchildren, and eight siblings. The poet Theo Dorgan wrote lines for the occasion, asking that Lunny go with gratitude into the mystery.