‘Rory would be so humbled by it all’: Dónal Gallagher on 1974 tour documentary

As Rory Gallagher’s 1974 tour documentary is set to be screened in Cork 50 years on, Marjorie Brennan chats to his brother Dónal

‘Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour ’74’, with Q&A featuring Dónal Gallagher, will screen at the Everyman on November 14. Picture: Eric Luke

Rory Gallagher was no stranger to the Capitol cinema in Cork. A huge movie buff, the legendary guitarist was a regular at the city’s many cinemas from childhood onwards and would often take in a film when he was on a break from his hectic touring schedule. So, when he attended the premiere of his tour documentary Rory Gallagher: Irish Tour ’74 at the Capitol in June 1974, it was a fitting homecoming. 

Now, 50 years on, Cork International Film Festival is remembering one of Cork’s most famous and beloved citizens with a screening of the rock film, made by groundbreaking filmmaker Tony Palmer and ranked as one of the finest examples of the genre.