Special Rory Gallagher Event Announced for Cork City Hall as Brother Dónal Reveals New Book

Dónal Gallagher will appear at Cork City Hall on Sunday 25 October for an exclusive pre-gig reading, Q&A and book signing, open to ticket holders for the Rory Gallagher celebration concert that afternoon.

He will share stories from his new book, Edged in Blue: A Rock ’n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher, written with Jamie Dickson. The session comes ahead of Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On, a special afternoon concert celebrating the Cork guitarist as part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend.

Running from 12.30 pm to 2 pm, the intimate session will let fans hear Dónal discuss the book, read from its pages and reflect on a life spent alongside his younger brother. Just 100 places are available, exclusively to concert ticket holders, and they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket holders will be contacted directly with details of how to attend.

In the book, Dónal draws on his personal experience to tell the story of Rory’s musical journey, from their childhood in Cork and the Irish showband scene to the international rock stages of the 1970s and beyond. As Rory’s closest confidante and long-time manager, Dónal witnessed the triumphs, challenges and private moments behind the career of a musician admired by Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters, pursued by The Rolling Stones and revered by generations of guitarists, including Brian May, The Edge, Slash and Johnny Marr.

The book also paints a picture of a changing Ireland and the early years of a music scene that would influence generations. At the concert itself, the Rory Gallagher Tribute Band Moonchild will be joined by Barry Barnes, a special guest from Sinnerboy, alongside blues-rock trio Tres Hombres featuring Brian Tambling.

Tom Keating, Cork City Hall Series organiser:

“Rory Gallagher remains one of Cork’s most treasured musical sons, and his influence continues to reach far beyond Ireland. To welcome Dónal to Cork City Hall to share stories from his new book, read from it and meet fans before the concert is a wonderful addition to what promises to be a very special afternoon. It offers a rare opportunity to hear Rory’s story from the person who knew him best, in the city where it all began.”

The Rory Gallagher event forms part of the Cork City Hall Series, running from 23 to 25 October 2026 during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend. The programme opens on Friday 23 October with The Stunning and special guest Mundy. Saturday 24 October features Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, alongside Cork acts Tomás McCarthy and Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers.

Sunday’s Rory Gallagher celebration will be followed that evening by Fleetwood Mac tribute act Mack Fleetwood. Tickets for Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On are available via Eventbrite from €22.50, and the Dónal Gallagher session is open only to concert ticket holders.