RoryGallagher

The first artist impression of the eagerly awaited Rory Gallagher Statue Commemoration to be located in the Blues Guitarist Birthplace of Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal has been released. The Statue honouring Rory Gallagher has been commissioned to the Scottish-based award winning Sculptor David Annand by Donegal County Council and the Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival Committee in Ballyshannon.

Chairperson and Founder of the Tribute Festival Barry O’Neill sais: “its great to see the first sketch being released by the Sculptor – David Annand. His work with bronze is terrific and the fact that David engaged with Rory’s fans and family prior to the design was very satisfying for everybody involved. There will be a great sense of movement in the piece and I think it will really reflect Rory’s character both on and off the stage”.

The Full life-sized Bronze Statue that will be unveiled in Ballyshannon Town Centre on Wednesday 2nd June 2010 and that will also mark the commencement of the 5 day Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival 2010. Rory was born in Ballyshannon on March 2nd 1948 at the appropriately named Rock Hospital and the town hosts the celebrated Rory Tribute Festival each year with visitors from all over the World now making the trip annually with a 7,000 strong attendance making their way to Ballyshannon earlier this summer.

Mr. O'Neill said "the Statue will be a coming home of sorts for Rory and its a massive honour for him and his family who work tirelessly in keeping his music alive. The people of Ballyshannon and County Donegal are delighted in making the Bronze Statue a reality and we are looking forward to June 2010 and no doubt Sculptor David Annand from Scotland will do the occasion justice with a remarkable finished commemoration”.