A Fender Stratocaster guitar once owned by rock and blues musician Rory Gallagher will be handed over to the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) after being sold at auction in London.
The late musician and composer’s guitar sold for £889,400 (€1,068,956) at a Bonhams auction.
“Best news I’ve heard all year. Bless them for keeping this guitar in Ireland”: Rory Gallagher’s prized 1961 Strat will be donated to the National Museum of Ireland https://t.co/xUadfoJ2NH pic.twitter.com/9HNocq4Pis
– Guitar World (@GuitarWorld) October 18, 2024
Ireland’s Minister for Culture, Catherine Martin, confirmed that it was purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd for donation purposes. The purchase agreement ensures that the famous guitar will now remain in the ownership of the Irish state and will be available for display to the public and Gallagher fans around the world.
Kathryn Martin said: “I’m so happy that Rory’s guitar is coming back to Ireland.” We are working closely with the National Museum to achieve this, he said. “Since the sale of Rory Gallagher’s collection was announced, I have shared the excitement of the country, and music fans in particular, that his iconic guitar would be secured as an addition to our national heritage collection and a testament to his many achievements ,” he emphasized.
“Rory achieved worldwide success with his original blues-based style and was beloved by fans for his many albums and legendary live performances,” he added.