Irish News , Features & Sport

Rory Gallagher is one of the fastest rising stars in the Irish music industry, owing much to his exploits in the background of one of Ireland’s Euro 2012 rivals.

The Donegal native is by no means a newcomer to the music scene, having entered the Irish charts three times during his stint as lead vocalist with The Revs from 2000-2007.

Shortly after the break up of the band, Rory became resident at the widely acclaimed Charlie’s bar in Lanzarote, home to many who visit the Spanish island.

His decision to leave Ireland for pastures new as aided his career allowing him to write new songs such as Colours, Champagne Lifestyle on Coca Cola Wages and Jimmy Selling Watches, all which have entered the Irish charts within the past year.

But it’s his latest venture which has everybody talking. Rory, not to be confused with his legendary namesake, has recently released his hit song “The Boys in Green” ahead of Euro 2012.

The song which features Irish trad legend Sharon Shannon is quickly rising up the Irish iTunes charts, having entered at number 5 on its release date.    

Rory took some time out to chat to Irish News Review about his success to date and his aspirations for the Boys In Green this summer.

What inspired you to write the song for Euro 2012?

It was actually a dare from Sharon Shannon and her manager John Dunford. She was gigging in Lanzarote in the bar I perform in ( the widely acclaimed Charlies Bar) , I wrote down the new lyrics in 40 minutes and I performed it that night in February 2012. It was filmed by a guy called Damien Milton on his iPhone and he played it to Ronnie Whelan a week later , who loved it and took it on for his Charity, Myasthenia Gravis. Simple as that!

How has the song been received to date?

It goes down brilliant every night which is shocking really as I thought maybe people would be angry about changing the lyrics of Galway Girl and secondly maybe people are sick of Galway girl! But no, it is working really really well

Where will you be when Ireland kick off their campaign on June 10th?

 There is a chance I will be in Poland, there is word of a big Irish music festival taking place for all the supporters which would be class!

Who is your favourite Irish player of all time?

Either Roy Keane or Paul McGrath, but Ronnie Whelan, Shay Given and Ray Houghton are right up there aswel ..There are too many!

What is the best Irish match you have ever been to?

Most of the games I have been to were quite poor such as matches against Latvia, Austria and Lithuania. I always get a raw deal , but I was there the night Robbie Keane broke the goal scoring record which was a bit special (2007 clash with Faroe Islands)

How do you think the team will do at Euro 2012?

 My head says we will be lucky to get a draw against Croatia and Italy and we will get beaten by Spain, But my heart says we can beat Croatia and Italy and draw with Spain!

What team did you support growing up?

Aston Villa

Your new album “Auntie Depressant and Uncle Hope” is due to be released shortly. What can music fans who have never heard your music before expect?

 It has a bit of a beach groove to it, it falls somewhere between the Beatles, Radiohead and Bob Marley

What does the rest of 2012 hold for Rory and the Island?

 I hope to play Phoenix Park when the Irish team return home as the shock winners in July! Every underdog will have his day.