23 October 2026
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie
Exclusive pre-gig reading, Q&A and book signing with Dónal Gallagher added to Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On during Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend
A special event celebrating the life and legacy of Rory Gallagher is set for Cork City Hall on Sunday, October 25, with his brother Dónal Gallagher appearing for an exclusive pre-gig reading, Q&A, and book signing for ticket holders.
Dónal will share stories from his new book, Edged in Blue: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Odyssey with Rory Gallagher, written with Jamie Dickson and newly published, offering a rare personal insight into the life of one of Ireland’s greatest musical icons. The event will take place ahead of Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On, the special afternoon concert celebrating the legendary Cork guitarist as part of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend.
Running from 12.30 pm to 2 pm, the intimate session will give fans a unique opportunity to hear Dónal discuss the book, read from its pages, and reflect on a remarkable life spent alongside his younger brother. A limited number of 100 places will be available, exclusively to concert ticket holders, with places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Ticket holders will be contacted directly with details of how to attend.
In Edged in Blue, Dónal draws on his unparalleled personal experience to tell the story of Rory’s extraordinary musical journey, from their childhood in Cork and the Irish showband scene to the international rock stages of the 1970s and beyond. As Rory’s closest confidante and long-time manager, Dónal witnessed the triumphs, challenges and private moments behind the career of a musician admired by Bob Dylan and Muddy Waters, pursued by The Rolling Stones and revered by generations of guitarists, including Brian May, The Edge, Slash and Johnny Marr.
Combining intimate family memories with a vivid account of rock’s golden era, the book also paints a picture of a changing Ireland and the early years of a music scene that would influence generations. It offers fans an opportunity to discover more about the man behind the music, his extraordinary talent and the enduring legacy he left behind.
The special literary event adds another dimension to Sunday’s Rory Gallagher celebration at Cork City Hall, where the Rory Gallagher Tribute Band Moonchild will be joined by Barry Barnes, a special guest from Sinnerboy, alongside blues-rock trio Tres Hombres featuring Brian Tambling.
Cork City Hall Series organiser Tom Keating said the addition of Dónal Gallagher’s appearance would make the afternoon particularly meaningful for Rory’s fans.
“Rory Gallagher remains one of Cork’s most treasured musical sons, and his influence continues to reach far beyond Ireland. To welcome Dónal to Cork City Hall to share stories from his new book, read from it and meet fans before the concert is a wonderful addition to what promises to be a very special afternoon. It offers a rare opportunity to hear Rory’s story from the person who knew him best, in the city where it all began.”
The Rory Gallagher event forms part of the Cork City Hall Series, running from October 23–25, 2026, during the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival weekend. The three-day programme features The Stunning with special guest Mundy on Friday, October 23; Bob Geldof and The Boomtown Rats, alongside Cork acts Tomás McCarthy and Pontious Pilate & The Naildrivers, on Saturday, October 24; and the Rory Gallagher celebration on Sunday afternoon, followed by Fleetwood Mac tribute act Mack Fleetwood that evening.
Tickets for Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On are available via Eventbrite. The exclusive Dónal Gallagher session is open only to concert ticket holders, with just 100 places available. Ticket holders will be contacted directly regarding attendance. Tickets to “Rory Gallagher: The Legend Lives On” at Cork City Hall are available via Eventbrite from €22.50.
