Purchase of Rory Gallagher’s guitar a matter for national cultural institutions

Rory Gallagher with the iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster which is due to come up for sale at 'The Rory Gallagher Collection' auction at Bonham's in London in October. Picture: Fin Costello/Redferns

The purchase of Rory Gallagher’s iconic Fender Stratocaster is a matter for our national cultural institutions to decide on, Catherine Martin, the arts minister, has said.

A campaign has been launched to have the guitar, which is due to come up for sale at auction, brought back to Cork where the famous musician bought it.

A crowdfunding page has even been set up for this purpose by Sheena Crowley, the daughter of Mick Crowley, who first sold the instrument to a teenage Gallagher for £100 back in 1963. More than €26,000 has been raised so far.

Labour TD Ged Nash has called on the Government to intervene, stating there is an “open and shut case” for the State to purchase the instrument.

“Rory Gallagher was by any stretch of the imagination Ireland’s first blues and rock star who had a truly global reach,” he said.

His influence and cultural importance is incalculable and goes far beyond these shores.

The 1961 Fender Stratocaster is due to come up for sale at ‘The Rory Gallagher Collection’ auction at Bonham’s in London in October.

Responding to questions from Mr Nash the Ms Martin acknowledged that the public interest in the sale of the instrument is “noteworthy” and reflects the “continuing regard for Rory Gallagher’s music and creative achievements”.

Ms Martin said: “Our national cultural institutions are also aware of the proposed sale.

“They are independent in relation to curatorial matters, including the care and development of the national collections.

“Key considerations with regard to acquisitions include the availability of resources and an independent assessment of reasonable cost.”

National cultural institutions do not comment on their consideration of any acquisition interest as it could adversely impact on the outcome.

She added: “It is appreciated when opportunities for acquisitions are brought to attention by individuals or groups but I trust it will be understood that an open consideration process is not possible.”

In making a call to have to instrument bought by the State, Mr Nash said the late musician is cited as a massive influence internationally by “guitar gods” from Johnny Marr and Slash to The Edge and James Dean Bradfield of the Manic Street Preachers and indeed countless other household names.

“Given all of this and more, I believe there is an open and shut case for the State to step in and acquire this iconic instrument for Ireland.

“Rory’s story and impact are part of the narrative of the modernisation of Ireland and of our social and cultural evolution,” Mr Nash said. “This narrative is neatly captured in this unique piece.”