When Noel O'Dwyer arrived in Galway in 1988 to establish Sally Longs, little did he know that he was creating what was to become the city's foremost rock bar.

Hailing from the village of Holycross in Co. Tipperary, Noel's journey brought him to Galway via Sligo and Dublin to Saddlers Bar in Loughrea and ultimately to the City of the Tribes.

"Sally's was not intentionally a rock bar. However, when we opened the bar our clientele included members of the Tribes Motorcycle Club and others who loved rock music, so we were delighted to cater to their tastes and things just developed from there," says Noel.

Twenty years on, Sally Longs still offers a welcoming, laid back setting for rock fans, bikers, tourists and students alike and is now widely renowned as one of Galway's coolest meeting spots.

Showcasing the best in local and international bands along with regular DJs, Sally's is a continual hive of activity and has welcomed famous guests throughout the years, varying from Huey from Fun Lovin' Criminals to Alex 'Hurricane' Higgins who entertained his fans with exhibition matches on the pool table.

The décor has become as famous as the bar itself with its mural showing the likes of Elvis, Bowie and Prince sporting togas and sitting at Leonardo Da Vinci's last supper along with the three storey high external murals representing legends from all musical backgrounds.

Through the years, Noel's interests have extended to include the Kingsvalley Hotel, GPO nightclub, Coachouse Hotel, Oranmore, Krcma bar, Salthill and the Malt House, Mountbellew. However, his heart still lies with Sally's, where he continues to offer a warm welcome along with his dedicated team who include bar manager Philip Power and staff John Murphy and Martin O'Mahony. Noel is also delighted to have become the main sponsor for Corrib Rangers FC and Mattie Griffin, stunt bike rider.

To celebrate 20 years in business, the weekend of Friday 4, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July promises to be un-missable with bands and DJs entertaining throughout, along with drink promotions, a tasty BBQ and over €1,000 worth of prizes to be given away on Saturday from 5pm.

On top of all this, neighbours Pat and Ruth Cunningham of Back to Music have donated an electric guitar and amplifier valued at over €400. This will be raffled with all proceeds going to Coastal for Cancer, which supports the Irish Cancer Society and Ulster Cancer Foundation.

The tickets for this draw will cost €5, with Noel O'Dwyer matching each ticket sold with €5 on behalf of Sally's.

This weekend, why dance when you can rock!

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