'Cork Rocks' set to celebrate life of blues and rock icon Rory Gallagher

“RIP Rory Gallagher 1949-1995” read the black-bordered headline on the then Evening Echo of Thursday, June 15, 1995.

The top story, written by Liam Heylin, began: “Internationally acclaimed rock guitarist Rory Gallagher (46), who died yesterday, will be buried in Cork city on Monday.”

In fact, in the heat of a breaking news story, we had got Rory’s birthdate wrong. He was actually born on March 2, 1948, and he was 47 when he died.

From Saturday, June 14, to mark the 30th anniversary of Rory’s passing, the Rory Gallagher estate — in collaboration with Cork City Council and Cork City Libraries — will mount a citywide ‘Cork Rocks for Rory’ tribute.

Simultaneous photographic and original memorabilia exhibitions at Cork City Hall, the Central Library, and Cork Public Museum will coincide with a city-wide walking trail commemorating the life and legacy of the blues and rock icon.

Born in Ballyshannon in 1948, Rory moved to Cork with his mother Monica and his younger brother Donal in 1956. They lived over the Modern Bar, the pub that Rory’s grandmother owned at 27 MacCurtain St.

Fitting

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, said it was fitting that Rory’s hometown celebrate his genius.

“Rory Gallagher has been Cork’s finest cultural export across the world,” he said.

Rory’s nephew, Eoin Gallagher, said the family was honoured and proud to endorse this initiative.

“We are delighted to support these simultaneous exhibitions and the establishment of the permanent Rory Gallagher’s Stompin’ Ground Cork City Walking Trail,” he said.

Cork City Library will host Lyrics, Vinyl & Visuals — Rory Gallagher; the Man and His Interests from June 14 to August 24.

Cork City Council’s civic offices will host Rory’s Early Impact — Rory Gallagher’s Early Years in Cork up to Taste MK2 from June 14 to July 4.

Cork Public Museum will feature The Continental Op — The Global Musician, an exhibition documenting Rory’s work as a musician who travelled the world from June 14 to December.

The Triskel Arts Centre will hold a screening of the concert film Taste at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 from 7pm on Thursday, June 26.