Rory Gallagher’s birthplace of Ballyshannon hosts phenomenal tribute festival

Thousands enjoy incredible weekend of sunshine, music and entertainment

The thousands of people who filled the streets of Ballyshannon for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival were treated to fantastic music, glorious sunshine and an electric atmosphere.

The world famous festival made a very welcome return after a two-year break due to Covid-19. Many of those present had bought their tickets more than two years ago, and they were ready to celebrate.

Indeed, the weekend really was a celebration not just of the late, great blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, but of music, of people, of the freedom to travel, of simply being alive and enjoying life.

Chairperson and Founder of Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival Barry O’Neill said: “Well what can I say other than thank you to everybody who made their way to Ballyshannon over the last five days for the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2022.

“It was without doubt the largest Rory Gallagher Festival ever staged, the largest Ballyshannon has ever witnessed and I want to thank all the musicians, bands, all our workers from stewards to shop and office assistants to our wonderful street cleaning team, our sound and production team, everybody who helped in any way to make our Tribute to Rory so special.

“I would like to thank our key funding partners Failte Ireland (National Events Team) for their support, Diageo / Guinness Ireland and all the local businesses in Ballyshannon, Bundoran and Rossnowlagh for their invaluable support.

“A very special thank you to the Gallagher family for their support, assistance and guidance for many years, Donal, Eoin and Daniel - thank you.

“To Rory's fans and followers from all over the world that made the pilgrimage to Ballyshannon, we know the efforts that are involved in travelling great distances but I know you have experienced something really special and that you have many great memories to return home with.

“Thank you from myself and all at the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon and we look forward to seeing you all again.”