Cork airport road renamed in honour of Rory Gallagher on 30th anniversary of musician's death
Gone 30 years, but certainly not forgotten in his home city, the unveiling of 'Rory Gallagher Avenue' took place at Cork Airport on Saturday morning. Fellow Leesider, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, was on hand to perform the renaming ceremony of the main thoroughfare through the airport, with Cork's lord mayor Cllr Dan Boyle, and members of the Gallagher family among those in attendance.
In many ways, the airport is a fitting place to memorialise the legendary guitarist who also has a city-centre plaza named after him, and an abstract statue by Geraldine Creedon, in Cork.
As airport managing director Niall MacCarthy mentioned in his address, it was from this facility that Gallagher took his first ever plane journey in June 1965, when he flew to Spain with The Impact showband for their residency at an American air force base near Madrid. Fresh from his Leaving Cert, the talented 17-year-old had reluctantly agreed to cut his trademark long hair before travelling, for fear of not being admitted to Franco-ruled Spain.
Cork Airport also featured in Gallagher's final journey when the 47-year-old was returned home following his death in London on June 14, 1995.
In the intervening years, the Ballyshannon-born, Cork-raised musician had established a reputation as one of the best guitarists in the world. One of Ireland's first rock stars, Gallagher was a source of pride for Corkonians who witnessed one of their own rubbing shoulders with all sorts of international luminaries.
Indeed, the airport unveiling came in a week when the music world was mourning the loss of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, both figures that Gallagher had shared bills with.
Gallagher toured extensively in the US and Europe, but his younger brother Dónal recalled how Rory had always retained his affection for his hometown. 'Coming back to Cork Airport was the moment he always cherished and always loved. And the family and I are so deeply honoured. Thank you to everyone for turning out,' said Dónal.
Karen Skelly from Ballyshannon, Keery Irvine from Belfast and Fiona Campbell at the launch of Cork Rocks for Rory. Picture: Darragh Kane
During his speech at the event, the Taoiseach also recalled Gallagher's humility, describing how, during his tenure as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1993, he had to coax a the shy and reluctant star into attending a civic reception following a benefit gig at the Everyman Theatre for Bosnian refugees.
'Rory Gallagher was a genuine rock star who inspired people right around the world with his music,' added Mr Martin. 'His legacy is one which reverberates across Cork, and it is only fitting that he is honoured in the city where he spent much of his life. I want to pay tribute to the Gallagher family and all those at Cork Airport and Cork City Council in bringing about this wonderful initiative in Rory's memory.'
Rebecca Loughry and Sarah Wrixon at the launch of Cork Rocks for Rory. Picture: Darragh Kane
The airport unveiling also coincided with an ongoing Cork Rocks For Rory event that the City Council is running with the Gallagher family. A number of Rory-related exhibitions, discussions and other events are taking place across the city, culminating in three concerts by American guitarist Joe Bonamassa at the Marquee on July 1-3.
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