The Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2009 begins on Thursday 28th May and continues through until Sunday 31st May 2009. We are delighted that this year among the main headline acts on the Saturday Night at Rory Gallagher Theatre, will be "SHINKICKER" (England) featuring the electrifying Guitarist ~ Chris Stuckey, "DAVE McHUGH BAND" (Ireland) and "Hotlips & Chilli Fingers" featuring Chris Newman complete the only all-ticket show, that is sure to sell-out in advance.

Some 25 performing acts will appear at the Rory Gallagher Festival coming from Holland , Germany , Italy , USA , Norway , England , Scotland and Ireland. Several International Rory Tribute Bands will be making their debuts at the 2009 Festival including “BEARDED BABIES” (Norway), "WOLFPIN" (Holland) and "BIG GUNS" (Italy).

Making a welcomed return are leading performers “Sinnerboy” (England), “Defender” from Scotland, “Remember Rory” (Germany), legendary local Rockers “Boxtie” and Johnny Gallagher, "Moonchild", “The Deans” and Joe O’Neill with his new-look “Messin’ with D’Gallagher”. A band that must be seen to be believed SEAMIE O'DOWD BAND who will be once again rocking the streets of Ballyshannon with his band, requiring no introduction to festival-goers. Sligo’s favourite son - Seamie, has a passion and an awesome rawness that is refreshing for many Rory fans.

A person who shared the stage on occasion with Rory was Fermanagh-man Pat McManus, a former member of “Mama’s Boy’s” and the PAT McMANUS BAND will be playing amongst many of the Open Air Concerts that will take place in Ballyshannon at the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2009.

Each year the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival organisers strive to link many connections with Rory Gallagher and making a welcomed return is Chris Newman who played on Rory's Album "Wheels within Wheels". Chris returns for his intimate style gigs with "Hot Lips and Chilli Fingers" and as stated above appear on Saturday Night at the Rory Gallagher Theatre.

On the Blues front appearing at the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2009 will be the exquisite English Blues Guitarist – Peter Price and making a welcomed return will be the BRIAN MEAKIN BAND ~ former winners of the Irish Blues Challenge. The young and emerging talent is an aspect of Music that Rory always recognised and Derry based 3-Piece “Zero Resistance” who have been making quite an impact in recent years will perform as will “Slumming Angels” from Kildare, “The Mark Black Band” from Donegal, the awesome Classic Rock sound of “The Skin’s” and RTE 2FM School of Rock finalists "Sham Rock" will be among many others at Show case events over the 4 days.

When in Ballyshannon, you can visit the Rock Hospital where Rory was born on March 2nd 1948, view the Rory Gallagher Hall of Fame Exhibition at Owen Roe’s Bar in the Street where Rory first resided and while at the Festival you will have no choice but experience Ballyshannon’s friendly hospitality, historic sites such as the Mill Wheel and a visit to Rossnowlagh is recommended.

Further details on all aspects of the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2008 from Barry O'Neill, Tel. 0035386-8772325 or Email: BARRY@goingtomyhometown.com