Some months ago this documentary by Nuala O’Connor on the life and achievements of Dónal Lunny was shown in Glór in Ennis. I couldn’t make it at the time, to my disappointment. But this week RTE broadcast it.
Lunny is one of the most influential figures in Irish music as a musician, producer, arranger etc. I remember a time during the 70s and 80s when he contributed to almost every recording I had. First time I remember seeing him in action was with Planxty in 1979, a ball of energy and enthusiasm at one end of the stage. I have seen him many times since although I only met him once: an old friend was part of Mozaik. We went to see them in Ennis and while chatting after the concert were joined by the whole band. I remember writing to an email group of forum members we had going at the time, how awestruck I was to be in the company of some people who, through their music, had been such an influence on the direction my life had taken and eventually led me to be where I found myself.
The film traces Lunny’s musical career and some of his personal life, from Emmett Spiceland, Planxty, the Bothy Band, Moving Hearts and everything else to the current time. Charting his immense influence on how music is played today. The atmosphere turns tragic towards the end, the loss of his (and Sinead O’Connor’s) 17 year old son and the very serious illness that struck him during the making of the documentary make for very moving viewing. Especially the final song Christy Moore’s’ Natives’ which he plays with lifelong friend Christy, the first music he played while in recovery. A must see.
[Caveat : I give the link to the RTE player without knowing about geo restrictions etc. A VPN may be required in some locations]