'The organisers deserve credit for bringing lovely people to Ballyshannon'

Sinn Féin’s Cllr Michael McMahon praised the organisers of this year’s Rory Gallagher International Festival for its success.

Thousands of Rory Gallagher fans visited Ballyshannon for the 21st edition of the festival from 22 countries, bringing blues rock and tourism to South Donegal.

Rory Gallagher, who sold over 30 million albums during his career, was born at The Rock Hospital in Ballyshannon in 1948. This year’s festival marked the 30th anniversary of his death in 1995. 

Bundoran-based Cllr McMahon told Donegal Live that he hoped the Rory Gallagher International Festival would continue in Ballyshannon.

READ NEXT: In pictures: Out and about at the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon

He said: “The festival was very successful and I am very happy for the people of Ballyshannon. The organisers deserve great credit for bringing a lot of lovely people to the town of Ballyshannon and the local area.

“I also think the festival helped because all of the accommodation over the weekend was very busy. 

“There were lovely people who came and were a great credit to everybody involved, especially the organisers. Barry O’Neill deserves great credit for the way the festival has been handled, and hopefully it will be continued.

“I would hope that the powers to be would help the festival to continue for many years to come.”