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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Music fans were treated to a fantastic three days of entertainment at Ballyshannon’s Guinness Rhythm and Blues Festival. The festival takes place over the bank holiday weekend, Friday to Sunday, October 25, 26 and 27. Click on the arrows to see Thomas Gallagher's photos of event
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As the birthplace of legendary blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, Ballyshannon has a proud association with the blues. This festival brought a bank holiday weekend of non-stop blues gigs to the town.
Among the highlights was the honouring of Irish blues musician Pat McManus in a special event featuring the Pat McManus Band and special guests.
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From his early career with his family in Mama’s Boys, McManus went on to share the stage with acts such as Horslips, Thin Lizzy, Hawkwind, Iron Maiden, Motley Crue, Bon Jovi and many more.
A spokesperson for the event said: “Pat’s story and with his brothers Mama’s Boys is an integral part of Irish Rock Blues history.
“Pat has been a friend to Ballyshannon for over 25 years and it's now our time to honour the legend.”
The Ballyshannon Blues Lifetime Achievement in Music Award is bestowed annually to recognise those who have had a profound effect on music and its promotion in a positive way.
“Pat McManus is most deserving of this recognition after years of creativity in music and decades of live performing with Mama’s Boys, Celtus, Pat McManus Band and more,” said the spokesperson.
“Decades of wonderful musical memories in rock, blues and trad, and long may it continue.”
Pat McManus received the honour in the Rory Gallagher Theatre at the Abbey Arts Centre on Sunday evening.
Other highlights included The Gig in the Rory Gallagher Theatre on Saturday, October 26 featuring Crow Black Chicken, Ol’ Times and The Schlack. Throughout the weekend there was busking, a blues trail as well as daytime and nighttime concerts in pubs across the town.
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