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

I’m not sure. I can’t remember if it was when I discovered that it was Rory’s “Follow Me” that was used as the theme music on RTÉ’s MTUSA, or if I was already aware of him. I think my older cousins were fans, and I may have been introduced to his music through them.

What do you like best about Rory’s music?

Passion, virtuosity, honesty, integrity. 

What are some of your favourite Rory songs and albums?

I particularly love his first solo album, but all his early stuff is great. “Laundromat,” “Overnight Bag,” “A Million Miles Away”… too many to mention.

Do you play music yourself? If so, has Rory influenced you in any way?

I play the guitar. Rory was one of my main inspirations. I reasoned that if a white guy from Donegal could play the blues then so could I, another white guy from Donegal. In my teens, I even grew my hair and wore a checked shirt/denim jacket combo.

When I left Donegal to go to college in Cork a girl in class asked if I was a fan, owing to the way I was dressed. It turned out she was his cousin. She gave me some limited edition records, a Top Priority badge, and a Defender tour t-shirt and mentioned me to Rory. She told him “there is a guy in my class from Donegal who looks like you and dresses like you”. He (jokingly) replied, “At least I still have one fan”!

That Defender shirt got torn off me in my first week in my first job as a printer when I leaned over one of the machines. Luckily that same cousin was able to stitch it back together for me 😀 I still have it.

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

Finally getting to see one of my musical idols. It was a great atmosphere.

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

Sadly, no.