Ronan Gallagher 1958 – 2026

It is with great sadness we announce that our friend and colleague Ronan Gallagher has passed away. Ronan was a writer, filmmaker, and political animal who hailed from Leitrim, Ireland and was a passionate advocate for music in all its forms and a staunch supporter of independent grassroots Irish artists. His love of diverse sounds and artists was the driving force behind The Ronan Gallagher Hour, a show he proudly described as “genre-fluid.”

A late starter to music, Ronan did not learn to play guitar or sing until his mid-fifties. Despite beginning later in life, he quickly established himself as a gifted songwriter and performer, releasing two albums of original material. His debut album, Always Broke Never Broken (2019), received widespread acclaim, followed by Time Waits For No One in 2021.

Ronan’s music was described as gritty, passionate, raucous, lyrical, and, at times, political. Above all, his songs told compelling stories about everyday life and the people who live it.

A firm believer in the power of lyrics to move and inspire, Ronan was a prolific songwriter whose work explored themes of love, heartbreak, resilience, and lost souls. He performed his songs with passion, integrity, and conviction, creating music that resonated deeply with audiences and celebrated the richness of ordinary human experience.

Ronan was also an award winning singer, songwriter and musician and leaves behind a lasting legacy of great music, warm companionship, and, of course, the many memorable editions of The Ronan Gallagher Hour that will continue to be enjoyed by listeners for years to come. Ronan in 2019

Everyone at Radio Wigwam extends their deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Ronan’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.