Radio Nova has been shortlisted at the New York Festivals Radio Awards for its documentary about musician Rory Gallagher to mark 30 years since the influential Irish guitarist’s death in 2025.
Presented by Radio Nova’s Marty Miller, the programme, entitled “Rory Gallagher. Bad Penny – A Radio Documentary” included rare recordings, personal memories and interviews never previously broadcast.
One of the key contributors was blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa, who speaks about performing three sold-out tribute shows in Cork this summer using Rory Gallagher’s 1974 Irish Tour setlist. The documentary also included a 1991 backstage interview with Rory Gallagher in Santa Cruz, where he recalls the theft and recovery of his Fender Stratocaster, which sold for nearly one million Euro at auction in 2024. Former bandmate Gerry McAvoy and Rory’s nephew Daniel Gallagher also share their stories.
The documentary has been shortlisted alongside submissions from international organisations such as the Canadian Broadcasting and Radio Taiwan International and Irish broadcasters such as Newstalk, Clare FM.
Radio Nova presenter Marty Miller said: “Wow. This is so appreciated. I knew when Joe Bonamassa announced special shows in Ireland paying tribute to Rory Gallagher, I had to do something to mark the occasion. To talk with Joe who is so much in awe of Rory gave incredible insight to how Rory’s playing affected a young fella growing up in New York. To talk with Rory’s nephew Daniel and brother Donal to hear the families perspective and his former band mate Gerry McAvoy to get an idea of life touring and playing with Rory has been a great honour. The shortlist nomination in New York is truly the cherry on top of a very nice cake!’”
The New York Festivals Radio Awards (established 1957) honour global excellence in radio and audio content, ranging from podcasts to documentaries. Judged by an international Grand Jury of industry professionals, the awards, including the renowned Storytellers Gala, recognize innovation in various categories with awards covering a wide spectrum of audio entertainment, including Audio Books, Podcasts, Documentary, Drama, Breaking News, and Sports. Entries are evaluated by a Grand Jury of over 100 professionals from over 20 countries, looking for high production values, creativity, and technical quality.
The full 2026 shortlist can be viewed here.
