Rory Gallagher:  2026 commemorations launched at Cork City Library

US guitarist Joe Bonamassa is also about to release a live album from last year's Cork concerts 

At Cork City Library for the launch of the Rory Gallagher events were musicians Joe O’Callaghan, Brian Calnan, Johnny Campbell, and Jeremy Nagle. Picture: Darragh Kane

Family, friends, and fans of Rory Gallagher gathered at Cork City Library on Thursday evening for the launch of Cork Rocks For Rory. Following on from last year’s event to mark the 30th anniversary of the late musician’s death, the 2026 commemorations include a free concert at Fitzgerald’s Park on Sunday, and a number of exhibitions.

For instance, the library is hosting an exhibition around the Calling Card album from 1976. It includes celebrated music photographer Michael Putland’s photographs of Rory and the band around the time of the album, and handwritten lyrics from Gallagher’s own notes made during the recording of the LP.

Sunday’s concert runs from 1pm to 6pm, and features a number of local bands paying tribute to the late musician, including Tres Hombres, The Crew, Hot Guitars and Dying Breed.

Eoin Gallagher, nephew of Rory Gallagher, with Rory's first every press picture, which appeared in the Evening Echo. 

Among those in attendance at Thursday’s launch were Gallagher family members Donal (brother of Rory) and Eoin (nephew), as well as musicians such as Joe O’Callaghan (Hot Guitars) and Brian Calnan (ex Moving Hearts). Also at the library was Sunday’s concert organiser Sheena Crowley, whose father, music store owner Mick, sold Rory his famous Stratocaster.

Meanwhile, American guitarist Joe Bonamassa is about to release an album The Spirit Of Rory Live From Cork. Recorded last year at the commemorative concerts at the Live At The Marquee venue, the album will feature 14 covers of Gallagher favourites. 

“The crowds on those three nights were rowdy, raucous and Cork did their favorite son proud,” said Bonamassa in advance of the record’s release on June 19. Additional video material from the gigs will also be available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Rory Gallagher died on June 14, 1995, aged 42.

Sheena Crowley and Trevor Kiely, Crowleys Music Centre, at the launch of the Cork Rocks for Rory programme. Pictures: Darragh Kane

Ben Hussey and Cllr Dan Boyle at the Rory Gallagher launch.

Kate Murphy and Jessica Cull at the launch. 

Kieran Rigby,  John Fitzgerald, and Benny Cuddihy at the City Library for the launch. 

Jim Roche and Marion Roche, cousins of Rory Gallagher.

Jonathan and Sharon O’Callaghan.

Ari Sheehan playing a Rory Gallagher song at the launch. 

 Pat Galvin, whose photographs from Gallagher's 1974 concert at Cork City Hall, feature in one of the exhibitions.