Rory Gallagher instruments brought back to life at festival
Musicians have been given the opportunity to play guitars belonging to the guitarist who sold 30 million albums as part of the annual international Rory Gallagher Festival.
Chairperson of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival, Barry O'Neill, told RTÉ News that collectors in Ballyshannon were able to secure several guitars, harmonicas, a mandola and other items during an auction in London last October.
The instruments, which will go on display as part of a permanent exhibition later this year, include a mandola made by Chris Eccleshall, who also made instruments for David Bowie, Peter Townshed and Eric Clapton.
Barry O'Neill said they are "delighted it is going to rest in Ballyshannon" as it is an important part of musical heritage as Rory Gallagher only had one mandola.
The collection also includes a supro dual-tone electric guitar, gifted to Rory Gallagher in 1985 by Canadian slide guitarist Paul Fenton. He played the instrument extensively on tours in north America and Canada in the 1980s.
Ciarán Hodgins, a musician from Ballyshannon, said it was an honour and "a once in a life [opportunity] to play the instrument".
"The guitar is road worn. Rory was a hard player but as soon as it's connected to an amplifier - it's as good as new.
"It's surreal and it's a real honour to play it and to keep Rory Gallagher's legacy alive in Ballyshannon," he said.
Tickets for this weekend's festival have been sold in 22 countries. Rory Gallagher was born at the Rock Hospital in Ballyshannon in 1948. His family moved to Derry city before settling in Cork. He died in 1995.
As a recording artist, he sold over 30 million albums during his career. He played and toured around the globe.
Visitors from UK, France and Australia said they made the journey to Ballyshannon because of their love for Rory Gallagher's music as well as the camaraderie and friendship found at the festival.
Julian Vignoles, author of Rory Gallagher: The Man Behind the Guitar said he has "only missed one year" of the festival which is like "a pilgrimage".
"People like me come to express our belief in the power and the majesty of Rory Gallagher's music."
Guitarist Johnny Gallagher said the Rory Gallagher Festival created a great interest in rhythm and blues and rock and roll music.
"It's a fantastic positive. Some of the greatest bands and guitarists in the world are coming to the festival.
"Down and dirty with the blues in Ballyshannon - sure you couldn't be at it in a better place," he said.
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