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RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Rory Gallagher instruments brought back to life at festival
Instruments belonging to the world-famous blues guitarist Rory Gallagher have been brought back to life in his birthplace of Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. 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.
BreakingNews.ie
21-04-2025
- General
- BreakingNews.ie
Cathedral bells ring out 88 times as people pay respects to Pope in Armagh
As the bells at St Patrick's Cathedral rang out 88 times to signify each year of Pope Francis's life, inside young and old sat in silent reflection to mark the death of the pontiff. Outside the landmark twin-spired cathedral, flags of the Vatican City flew at half-mast as people arrived to pay their respects. Advertisement Among those stopping by to say a prayer and light a candle were members of the local congregation but also others from further afield who felt drawn to the seat of the Catholic Church on the island of Ireland. Barry O'Neill, Clara O'Neill, Claire O'Neill, Ben Og O'Neill and Conan McGerr at St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh (David Young/PA). Shortly before 2pm, the Catholic primate of all-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin and the Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell led an impromptu prayer service ahead of formally opening a book of condolences. 'Over the next few days, I imagine many people will come here just to sign their names because I think we all loved Pope Francis and he was a great witness to us,' said Archbishop Martin. 'Even in the last few months with his own illness and being able to carry that suffering and show resilience in the face of suffering. I know it meant a lot to a lot of people who were like him, frail and maybe struggling and suffering in their final days. Advertisement 'He was very, very convinced that God was merciful and he kept saying that 'I am sinner'. So I am just hoping and praying that the merciful God today is welcoming him into his heavenly home.' The Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, watched by Archbishop Dermot Farrell Archbishop of Dublin, signs a book of condolences for Pope Francis (Niall Carson/PA) One of those who came to pay respects was local Armagh man Patrick Douglas. He travelled to the Knock Shrine in Co Mayo in 2018 to see Pope Francis just as he had journeyed to Galway in 1979 when Pope John Paul II had visited Ireland. 'It's just lovely to come up here to the cathedral today,' he said. Advertisement 'Just to light a candle and say a prayer.' Patrick Douglas paid his respects at St Patrick's Cathedral (David Young/PA). Claire and Barry O'Neill came to the church with their children, Clara and Ben Og and nephew Conan McGerr. The family had been away on holiday for a few days in Carlingford, Co Louth and decided to divert to the cathedral on their way home to Moneymore in Co Derry. 'He was a man that changed the world,' said Mrs O'Neill. Advertisement 'He wanted to make a difference, no matter what you were, to guide everybody, whatever your faith is, just to bring everybody together. 'He was very humble, very empowering.' Mrs O'Neill said it had been an uplifting experience to be in the cathedral on such a day. 'Everybody's here to pay their respects to a really nice man,' she added. Advertisement
