Cork Rocks for Rory: Tribute to Rory Gallagher launches with citywide events and exhibitions

Cork City marks 30 years since Rory Gallagher’s death with exhibitions, memorabilia and a new walking trail honouring his legacy

Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle; Eoin Gallagher, Rory Gallagher's nephew; Margaret O’Sullivan of Cork City Libraries; and Cork Public Museum Curator Dan Breen at Rory Gallagher Place, Cork City. Picture: Darragh Kane

The Rory Gallagher estate, in collaboration with Cork City Council and Cork City Libraries, is hosting a citywide tribute to the guitar legend to mark the 30th anniversary of his death.

Cork Rocks for Rory will see photographic and original memorabilia exhibitions take place at iconic buildings across the city this June, as well as a city-wide walking trail that will commemorate the life and legacy of the blues and rock icon.

The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle remembered Rory Gallagher as Cork's “finest cultural export across the world” and highlighted the importance of celebrating his genius on the 30th anniversary of his death.

The musician's nephew, Eoin Gallagher, said: “The popularity and interest in Rory’s music and life has only continued to grow and grow here in Ireland and throughout the world.

“We are delighted to support these simultaneous exhibitions and the establishment of the permanent ‘Rory Gallagher’s ‘Stompin’ Ground’ Cork City Walking Trail.” 

He said the initiative would help provide visitors to Cork, many of whom are Rory Gallagher fans, with information about the places the musician lived, learned, and performed in the city.

“The Rory Gallagher estate is committed to continuing to share the magic of Rory Gallagher's music and look forward to building together with Cork City Council and future partners in continuing to honour Rory’s legacy and Cork roots,” he said.

Cork City librarian David O'Brien described the ‘Cork Rocks for Rory’ initiative as a wonderful opportunity to honour Gallagher’s legacy.

He said it was especially pleasing for Cork City Library, given the music library is named after him.

Events taking place from June 14 include a display of Gallagher’s first guitar and first recordings at a photographic exhibition, which will include never-before-seen images of the musician; a display of some of Gallagher’s handwritten lyrics; selections from his personal vinyl and book collections; and a display of Gallagher’s tour memorabilia, instruments, and amps.

• A photography exhibition entitled ‘Rory’s Early Impact — Rory Gallagher's Early Years in Cork up to Taste MK2’ will be open to the public at the Atrium at Cork City Council’s new Civic Offices from June 14 to July 4.
• An exhibition documenting Gallagher’s work as a musician who travelled the world, entitled ‘The Continental Op: The Global Musician’ will be on display at Cork Public Museum from June 14 to December.
• The home of the Rory Gallagher Music Library, Cork City Libraries’ Central Library, will host a closer look at Gallagher’s writings, influences, and samples of the music that influenced him with an exhibition entitled ‘Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals — Rory Gallagher: the man and his interests’ from June 14 to August 24.
• A walking trail of Cork City, highlighting the places and streets that were Rory’s stompin’ ground will be active with a QR code from June 14.
• Academy Award-winning director Murray Lerner will explore Ireland's seminal rock band 'Taste' with unseen footage from the trio's now legendary performance at the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 at the Triskel Arts Centre on Thursday, June 16 at 7pm.