Rory Gallagher

Rory Gallagher Place

Jimi Hendrix was once asked by Rolling Stone Magazine what it was like to be the world's greatest guitar player.
“I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher” he replied.

Rory Gallagher Tribute at Rory Gallagher Place

Cork artist Geraldine Creedon has created a unique bronze sculpture in honour of Rory Gallagher, at the request of Cork Corporation and Rory’s family. The bronze sculpture takes the form of a guitar on one side, while the other side is made up of intertwined lyrics from Rory’s 1982 album, Jinx.

Geraldine who was born and reared in Cork was friendly with Rory as a teenager in Cork city where they both grew up, she now lives in Newcestown near Bandon in West Cork.

The Tribute was unveiled on Saturday 25th October 1997 during the Cork Jazz Festival, in the newly named Rory Gallagher Place off Paul Street in Cork. Cork Corporation have renamed a square beside Paul Street Shopping Centre to Rory Gallagher Place in honour of their famous citizen.

The following lyrics (which are taken from the Jinx album) are embossed on the sculpture.

Don’t paint it all so sadly
I don’t know you lately
I feel like a lost child, searching in the dark
I’ll change it all
I’m just in town to have some fun
My heart’s at peace, my soul’s on fire
My mind knows all the things my eyes can’t see
Please don’t lock me out
Try again to hear a brand new tune
You found the thorn behind the rose
You used to fly and chase the wind

Rory Gallagher (1948-1995) was born in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal on the 2nd of March 1948, and his family moved to Cork in the early 50’s where he spent his formative years.

He bought his first guitar when only 9 and taught himself to play.

He formed his first band when only 13.

He played with the Fontana Showband (later called (The Impact), formed Taste in 1965 and finally went solo in 1970.

His Live in Europe album went platinum and he was Melody Maker’s ‘Musician of the Year in 1972.

In 1976 he played to over one hundred million people in a Eurovision television broadcast and toured the US for the 10th time.

In 1974 Rory became seriously ill while on a European tour.

He died in London on the 14th of June 1995 aged 47, from complications following a liver transplant and is buried in St Oliver’s Cemetery in Carrigrohane, County Cork.

Listed below are some of Rory’s albums.

1971 Rory Gallagher
1972 Live in Europe
1973 Blueprint
1974 Irish Tour ’74
1976 Calling Card
1979 Top Priority
1980 Stage Struck - Live in Europe
1982 Jinx
1987 Defender
1990 Fresh Evidence
1995 Blue Day for the Blues

Rory Gallagher Grave

Rory Gallagher Grave St Oliver’s Cemetery, Cork. RIP