Spencer James chats to Rory Gallager from Rory and the Island

This morning on The PowerON FM Breakfast Show, Spencer James caught up with local music legend Rory Gallagher of Rory and the Island, ahead of a big weekend for Irish sports fans as Donegal faces Kerry in the All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final.

🌴 From Donegal to Lanzarote

Rory shared the story of how a charity gig back in 2005 — alongside Johnny Logan, no less — first brought him to Lanzarote. A few years later, he made the island his full-time home. His favourite local spot? Famara Beach, for its peaceful energy, surf, and scenic cliffs.

🎵 Rory and the Island – A One-Man Island Project

Rory explained that Rory and the Island is more of a music project than a traditional band. Originally known as Rory Gallagher (not to be confused with the blues legend), he changed the name to avoid confusion and give the project its own identity — inspired by island life.

🎶 “Jimmy’s Winning Matches” – The Viral Anthem

One of Rory’s most iconic tracks, Jimmy’s Winning Matches, started as a fun song written for a Senegalese friend nicknamed Jimmy, before being repurposed to support Donegal GAA manager Jimmy McGuinness. The song went viral during the 2012 Gaelic football championship and became the unofficial anthem of Donegal.

“I was sitting in Lanzarote watching a game on TV and saw a player grab the mic after a match and sing it live on air — it was surreal!”

🌞 New Track: Playa Grande

Rory also introduced his latest single, “Playa Grande”, which he calls a “love letter to Lanzarote.” The song blends summer vibes, Lanzarote culture, and a nod to artist César Manrique, and has been gaining strong radio play and traction on Spotify.

⚽ Who Will Win on Sunday?

With Donegal facing off against Kerry, Rory predicts a narrow win for his home county:

“I’m saying Donegal by one point — it’ll be tight.”

You can catch Rory performing live at his venues Rory’s Live Lounge and the Irish Viking in Puerto del Carmen — both known for good craic, live sports, and great music.