The family of the late musician Rory Gallagher, have welcomed the donation of his Fender guitar to the state.
The Fender Stratocaster was sold at an auction for a final price of €1,068,956, purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd. It will be donated to the National Museum of Ireland.
The guitar featured as part of 150 instruments and other items in the collection from the Gallagher estate. This estate is managed by Rory’s brother and former manager Dónal Gallagher.
The Gallagher family have also confirmed that proceeds from this auction which took place at Bonhams in London, will go towards projects to further Rory’s legacy and other noble causes.
“start of a new era for Rory”
Speaking ahead of the auction, Dónal Gallagher said that this was the “start of a new era for Rory”.
Following this, Dónal Gallagher said that he is delighted that the guitar is being donated to the State.
“I’m lost for words to be honest. When I got the news that Live Nation had not only bought it but had donated it to the State, it’s cherries on top, more than one. I’ll sleep tonight!”, he said.
He also thanked the Irish Government for securing this arrangement.
Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, before moving to Derry when he was 8 years old.
The musician died in London in 1995 ahead 47, and left behind an number of guitar collections and musical equipment.
Back in September, Joe Bonamassa and his band confirmed plans to perform two shows at Cork’s Marquee Festival next Summer. More on this from Nova here.
