Fundraiser plea to buy back Rory Gallagher's guitar from owner of iconic Cork music shop

GoFundMe campaign is nearing the €30,000 mark.

Sheena Crowley issued a heartfelt plea for corporate donors or music stars to back her GoFundMe campaign, at it nears the €30,000 mark. Picture: Denis Minihane

The daughter of the man who sold rock and blues legend Rory Gallagher his iconic Stratocaster over 60 years ago has vowed to keep her auction fundraiser going “until the hammer falls” in her bid to buy it back for Ireland, and Cork.

Music shop owner Sheena Crowley, whose father Michael Crowley owned the legendary Crowley’s Music Shop on MacCurtain St in Cork city, also issued a heartfelt plea for corporate donors or music stars to back her GoFundMe campaign, at it nears the €30,000 mark.

“People are great, they understand what we’re trying to do. I’m going to keep pushing until the day of auction. And I will still believe we can do this until the hammer falls,” she said.

"Some business people have approached me to say they will support the campaign, and who knows, maybe The Edge might see this and help us out."

Ms Crowley launched the fundraising campaign in early July when Gallagher’s brother and former manager, Donal, announced he was putting the iconic guitar up for auction as part of the Rory Gallagher Collection through Bonhams in New Bond Street, London, on October 17.

The sale will consist of guitars, amps and accessories from Gallagher’s life and career, and includes the iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster which he bought for £100 on credit from Michael Crowley in 1963.

Rory Gallagher died in 1995.

According to legend, it may have been the first Stratocaster to ever reach Ireland. It became synonymous with Gallagher and its wear and worn finish have made it one of the world’s most iconic electric guitars.

It has featured in a number of landmark exhibitions, appeared on the cover of countless guitar magazines, and has been played by stars like Johnny Marr and Joe Bonamassa.

Since 2004, Fender has created and sold replica models of the guitar as part of their artist signature series.

Donal said last month that he decided to auction the collection following “much deliberation and reviewing of all options” and was doing it “so that these emblems of his legacy can be enjoyed by others”.

“Since 1995, I have always felt that there was a mission to be fulfilled to cement Rory’s legacy and further widen the knowledge of his music,” he said.

“It is difficult to separate or even begin to quantify the depth of relationship Rory had with his instruments, this decision is one I recognise as challenging for some, however, with the proceeds raised from this instrument sale we will continue to do further good for Rory’s name and legacy, as well as assisting good causes, that my brother would have supported.” 

Ms Crowley said she believes the guitar, which has become a symbol of what Gallagher means to musicians and fans worldwide, needs to come home to Cork.

“My father sold Rory the guitar, and I know the history, and sentiment that is attached to this,” she said.

“Every year people visit us just to see because Crowleys sold him the guitar and it is where his story began, in a sense.

“It is incredible how he touched millions worldwide as a huge star, and remained true to himself, never compromising his ideals.

It is hoped Gallagher's guitar will come home to Cork.

“He is a legend for that as much as he is for his playing.” 

Issuing a specific appeal to the corporate and business community for help with the fundraising, she insisted it’s possible to reach her €1m target.

“We are currently almost at €30,000 but with a little help from the business community, and fans it is possible to achieve this,” she said.

“We have lots of initiatives to drive the campaign over the next two months. We are planning a gig in September and we’ll be selling t-shirts too.

“The plan is to have the guitar as the centre of attraction in a music and culture museum with a resource centre for musicians.

“It could potentially draw an extra 200,000 visitors to the city generating revenue and employment. Cork needs this.

“If you are a Rory Gallagher fan, this is easy because anyone who knows him understands he is a huge part of our Irish heritage but even if you don’t please consider donating as this will inspire and enrich our music community and our culture.

“The guitar will be a monumental gift to future generations.” 

Gallagher died in 1995, aged 47.

Tanaiste Micheál Martin has said he will discuss the matter with Arts Minister Catherine Martin and it would be lovely if the guitar could be returned to Cork. 

• Donations can be made here.