Deputy Prime Minister Micheál Martin has committed to examining possibilities for the State to procure Rory Gallagher’s famous Fender Stratocaster guitar before it is put up for sale at a likely asking price between £700,000 (€833,000) and £1 million in London later in the year.
Micheál Martin recounted cherished memories of hosting Gallagher, a rock music icon, at a civic event in Cork City Hall during his tenure as Cork’s lord mayor in 1992/93. He expressed his enthusiasm for the idea of the State acquiring Gallagher’s coveted guitar, set for auction by Gallagher’s estate.
Gallagher performed at the Everyman Theatre during the civic event, attended by his brother, Donal. Despite Gallagher’s noted reservation towards public events, he did participate. A small assembly of roughly 40 people was present, affording Martin fond memories of the occasion in Cork City Hall.
Martin has expressed his intention to consult with Catherine Martin, Minister for Arts and Culture, about procuring the guitar. His dream is to restore this famed instrument back to Leeside.
Cork’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Dan Boyle, a witness to Gallagher’s performances at City Hall on several occasions in the early 1980s, has also appealed to the Government to intervene in the purchase of the guitar.
Rory Gallagher’s guitar is unique and is arguably amongst the most identifiable in the world of rock music. It’s distinct appearance is due to varnish being gradually stripped over time because his sweat was highly acidic.
Mr. Boyle acknowledged Rory as one of the first people to bring Irish rock into international spotlight, with his acquisition of his noteworthy musical instrument playing a significant historical role. For this cultural significance, Boyle has reached out to government departments and State agencies to keep hold of this artifact.
In addition, Sheena Crowley, who runs a music store in Cork, has initiated a Gofundme Page, in an attempt to acquire the Fender Stratocaster, a special memento from her late father, Michael. Her father once traded this musical instrument to Gallagher during a fortuitous visit to his shop on Merchants Quay in 1963.
Crowley recalled that it was indeed in August 1963 when her father sold the guitar to Rory. Initially ordered by Jim Conlon of The Royal Showband, it was rejected since Fender delivered a sunburst variant instead of the desired cherry red Stratocaster. Sold off as a second-hand product, it was bought by Rory for just under £100, marking an unforgettable moment in history, Crowley reflected.