Rory Gallagher's brother Dónal receives honorary doctorate for his contribution to music 

Dónal Gallagher was presented with his doctorate from the Open University at Croke Park 

Dónal Gallagher, centre, with John D'Arcy and Tara Craig of the Open University at the conferring at Croke Park on Thursday.  Picture: Paul Moane 

Dónal Gallagher – the brother of legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher – has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Open University. In a ceremony at Croke Park on Thursday, the Cork music figure was presented with the doctorate in recognition of his contribution to music, culture and community through the decades.

A year younger than his famous brother, Dónal was at the groundbreaking musician’s side as he became one of Ireland’s first international rock stars, and blazed a trail as one of the best guitarists in the world. After Rory’s death in 1995 at the age of 47, Dónal continued to champion his brother’s music and preserve his legacy with various releases, tribute concerts, and commemorative events.

Dónal was also instrumental in organising the Macroom Mountain Dew festival in the 1970s, helped to found Hot Press magazine, and has been involved in other areas of music business through a record label and a publishing company.

Cork’s own Gallagher brothers – whose father hailed from Derry – were also credited with continuing to organise concerts in the North through the Troubles when many other artists were too fearful to travel to the province.

At Thursday’s conferring, Gallagher said he was honoured to receive the doctorate. “Education, culture and the arts should be open to everyone, regardless of background. I admire the OU’s commitment to widening access and promoting lifelong learning, showing that it’s never too late to take a new direction. To be recognised in this way, particularly in Dublin among this year’s graduates means a great deal to me and the wider Gallagher family,” he said.

Gallagher joins a roster of former recipients of similar doctorates that includes former presidents Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese, as well as other arts figures such as filmmaker Neil Jordan and Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody.

John D’Arcy, director of the Open University in Ireland said: “Dónal Gallagher’s lifelong dedication to music and cultural exchange has had a profound impact far beyond the stage. His commitment to preserving and promoting Rory Gallagher’s legacy, and his belief in music as a force for connection during some of the most challenging periods in our history, reflect values that resonate strongly with the Open University’s mission.”