Anger over lack of funding for Ballyshannon festival

The level of support from Fáilte Ireland for a Ballyshannon music festival which attracts thousands of visitors to the town every year has been branded as “disgraceful”.

Chairman of the Rory Gallagher Festival and Fine Gael Donegal County Councillor Barry O’Neill has hit out at the 2,000euro allocation the event was given last year by the tourism authority, describing it as in “insult”.

The festival, now in its eighth year, will this June mark a special occasion – the unveiling of life-size sculpture of the late rock and blues guitarist whose music has gained legendary status amongst a legion of ardent fans.

Around two million euro is generated by the festival for the local economy every year.

Cllr O’Neill travelled to Scotland last week to see the clay version of the piece, which will now go to be embossed in bronze.

Cllr O’Neill said the sculpture will prove to be a major tourist attraction for Ballyshannon and the popularity of the festival warrants an increase in financial support.