To begin with, how did you become aware of Rory’s music?

I used to holiday in West Cork and a couple of my friends were from Macroom, where Rory performed at the ‘Mountain Dew Festival’. That is how I heard of him first and was a fan ever since.

What do you like best about Rory’s music?

Live performances with his Stratocaster. He really appeared to be having fun and it was infectious. His guitar sounded amazing, but he was also a brilliant acoustic musician however this never got the crowd going in the same way.

What are some of your favourite Rory songs and albums?

Photo Finish and Top Priority came out when I was really into his music and I feel he had perfected his techniques by then in the studio.

You mentioned to us on Facebook that Rory has influenced your guitar playing. Could you tell us more about this? Has Rory helped your guitar style or approach? Have you learnt some of his songs on the guitar to play?

Yes I used to play guitar and sing in pubs. I only wish I could have played like Rory though. Never got into electric guitars much but loved the sound.

Was the 1992 Temple Bar show your first time seeing Rory, or had you seen him live previously? If so, please tell us about these earlier shows and experiences. What do you remember most about them?

[The] Temple Bar [Blues Festival] was the first time. I always seemed to miss him before. Also I was perpetually broke at the time and the Temple bar gig was free.

Moving on now to the Temple Bar gig, what did you enjoy most about this concert?

Seeing him live for the first time was a massive buzz. The crowd really got going too. I was amazed at how smoothly it all went. I was struck at this stage on his appearance, he had lost none of his energy but was obviously retaining a lot of fluid at that stage.

And lastly, did you ever get to meet Rory? If so, please feel free to share your experience. 

No never met him [but] would have loved to. He was one of the greatest musicians we ever produced, certainly the best guitarist by a country mile.