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‘In Time: Dónal Lunny’ screened at UCD Trapdoor
Pace Borza
Published - September 26, 2025
In Time tells the story of Dónal Lunny, one of the most iconic and influential Irish musicians of his generation.
Produced by South Wind Blows in association with UCD, and directed by Emmy Award-winning Nuala O’Connor, the film brings us into the life and creative process of this unique artist whose influence and impact on Irish traditional music has been both enduring and far-reaching.
In Time spotlights Lunny’s recent amazing work as a mentor to students at University College Dublin as ‘Musician-in-Residence’ since 2021, working with the UCD Traditional Music Practices ensemble. The film also includes archival footage of Planxty performing in University College Dublin’s Theatre L in 1972.
This 90-minute musical odyssey fuses with the personal material of Dónal Lunny’s biographical journey, bringing the artist to life in this film and showcasing his contributions to culture and music, bringing Irish traditional and folk music to a global audience.
A special screening of In Time took place in the Trapdoor Black Box Theatre on 22 September, featuring a musical performance from Traditional Music Practices students, led by Dr Peter Moran (UCD School of Music) and a Q&A by Professor PJ Mathews with director, Nuala O’Connor.
The event was attended by Dónal’s family, friends and fellow musicians including Paddy Glackin, Paul Brady Mary Black, Tríona Ní Dhomhnaill, Liam Ó Maonlaí, Eleanor McEvoy, and – as well as colleagues and alumni from UCD. Dónal was joined onstage by Paddy Glackin to perform a few tunes to close out the evening and celebration.
In Time premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in July 2025. It was featured as part of the IFI’s Documentary Festival 2025, the Sounds from a Safe Harbour film festival, where Dónal performed with long-time collaborator and friend Andy Irvine after the screening.
A limited cinema release and TV premiere will follow in 2026.
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