13-06-2025
'Celebrate his genius' - Cork to rock for Rory Gallagher anniversary
From the main roadway into Cork Airport being named after him, to concerts, exhibitions and a city-wide walking trail, the 30th anniversary of the death of guitarist Rory Gallagher is being widely marked this weekend in Cork City.
Cork Rocks for Rory festival is supported by both Cork city and county councils.
Announcing details of the memorial weekend, Lord Mayor of Cork Councillor Dan Boyle said marking the 30th anniversary of his passing allows the city to "celebrate his genius".
While born in Co Donegal in 1948, the blues and rock guitarist who was widely regarded as a virtuoso, grew up in Cork City.
This is the first time the city has celebrated his international career on such a large scale.
Last October, his famous 1961 Fender Stratocaster guitar was purchased at auction for just over €1 million by Live Nation Gaiety Limited and donated to the National Museum of Ireland.
Fans, new and old, are expected to flock to the city to mark the 30th anniversary of his death in 1995 from complications after a liver transplant.
Thousands attended his funeral service at the Church of the Holy Ghost, while his grave with its sunburst headstone in St. Oliver's Cemetery remains a must-see for fans.
Tomorrow, Taoiseach Micheál Martin will officially name the main roadway within Cork Airport 'the Rory Gallagher Road'.
He will be joined by members of the Gallagher family, among them his brother and manager, Donal Gallagher.
A brand-new permanent walking trail 'Stompin Ground' will mark out the venues where the guitar legend played and the places that shaped his life.
Cork City Hall, which hosted his legendary home town Christmas concerts, will host a photographic exhibition of never before seen images.
🎸 Cork Rocks for Rory🎼
ℹ️ Opening on June 14, to mark 30 year's since his passing, an exhibition about Rory Gallagher's Early Years in Cork up to Taste MK2 will be launched.
📍 Cork City Council Atrium
🕐 10 - 4 - Monday - Friday
📅 Open until July 4
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) June 5, 2025
The Cork Public Museum's is hosting 'The Continental Op' exhibition which Curator Dan Breen says includes family archives, and a number of instruments including the mandolin on which 'Going to My Hometown' was most often played.
The city already has a Rory Gallagher Music Library at Cork's main public library.
A collection of Rory's writings can be found on display, as well as selections from his personal vinyl and book collections including detective novels, and his Beatles 'Revolver' album.
