Tánaiste Micheál Martin has suggested that one of the State’s cultural institutions may seek to acquire the late Irish rock star Rory Gallagher’s signature Fender Stratocaster guitar, which is set to be auctioned later this week.
Earlier this summer, Martin expressed his intention to discuss the potential purchase of Gallagher’s guitar with Minister for Arts and Culture Catherine Martin after it was revealed that the Gallagher estate plans to sell the instrument, estimated to fetch between £700,000 and £1 million (€833,000 to €1.19 million).
The 1961 Sunburst Fender Stratocaster will be auctioned at Bonham’s Auction House in London on Thursday.
“I would love if we could [buy the guitar] – obviously, I will talk to Minister Catherine Martin and see what’s possible, but it would be lovely if we could get that guitar back on Leeside,” stated Martin, who hosted a civic reception for Gallagher during his tenure as lord mayor of Cork from 1992 to 1993.
Minister Martin previously informed Labour TD Ged Nash that any decision to purchase Gallagher’s guitar would rest with national cultural institutions. However, she acknowledged the significant public interest in the matter, highlighting the “continuing regard for Rory Gallagher’s music and creative achievements.”
When asked over the weekend about the State’s progress in trying to secure the guitar, the Tánaiste revealed he had spoken with Minister Martin and reiterated his belief that the instrument is an important cultural artifact, considering Gallagher was the first Irish rock star to achieve international fame.
“There are processes and approaches that have to be pursued here, and it’s not all done by megaphone either. The national cultural institutions have a role in this, and we will let them engage in the process,” he explained.
When questioned if his response indicated that efforts were underway to place a bid for the guitar this week, Martin replied, “I wouldn’t overstate anything, but you are a good man to deduce things at times.”
The Gallagher estate, managed by Rory Gallagher’s brother and former manager Donal Gallagher, has listed the Fender Stratocaster alongside around 150 instruments and other items from Gallagher’s 30-year career for auction.
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