At 17:58 on 17 October, the hammer went down for the 61^st time that afternoon and, once again, my tears began to flow. It wasn’t getting any easier. Watching Rory’s whole life being split up and sold off around the world felt like a knife to the heart, and with each new sale, it was as if that knife twisted just a little deeper.

 “Only €700,000? How dare they?” I thought in that split second, a strange mixture of anger and sadness washing over me. Surely Rory’s pride and joy was worth much more than that? All that stress and heartache, only to end up with the lower end of the asking price.

But less than an hour later, everything became clear, and the best possible news in such a painful situation came to light. Yes, Rory’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster would be saved after all, returning to Ireland where it rightfully belongs, thanks to Live Nation Gaiety, the National Museum of Ireland and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

What a rollercoaster these past few months have been, and what mountains Sheena Crowley has moved, raising money to save the Strat and put it on the national agenda. Sensing how significant these months would be, I’ve been documenting the highs and lows since the news first broke in July. Today, I wanted to share those diary entries here in a special post to mark this momentous occasion.

THE STRAT IS COMING HOME!

8 July 2024

I crawl into bed in the early hours of the morning, still buzzing from the Van Morrison concert I attended the night before. Van was in fine form, his mood surprisingly light, and the energy of the show left me too wired to sleep. Eventually, exhaustion takes over, and I drift off, unaware that the following morning will alter the course of my life for the next three months…

I wake up feeling oddly refreshed, despite the lack of sleep. I’m on annual leave this week, so I enjoy a leisurely morning – lingering over breakfast, reading the morning paper, catching up with my mum. Before heading out, I decide to quickly check social media. I see there’s a new post on the Rory Gallagher Facebook page. Assuming it’s John Ganjamie’s usual timeline update, I click on it without a second thought. But what I read leaves me reeling. In fact, it’s something that I could never have imagined in a million years.

“After nearly thirty years since my brother Rory’s passing…” it begins. The words hit me like a sledgehammer. I reread the post several times, struggling to process it as my brain has ceased to function. Rory’s instruments up for sale? Including his iconic 1961 Fender Stratocaster? Surely not. I’m in a total state of disbelief. My legs buckle, and a wave of nausea sweeps over me. I feel myself hyperventilating. I sit down at the top of the stairs, trying to steady my breathing, which has become shallow and erratic. It might sound like an overreaction, but I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling this way when the news broke.

The rest of the day passes in a haze. A whirlwind of emotions grips me. Hurt. Anger. Betrayal. Disappointment. Overwhelming sadness. Each time I see a photo of Rory holding his Strat, I start to cry. I can’t even bring myself to listen to his music; it feels like a fresh wound. I avoid looking at my phone again until the evening. That’s when I notice a voice message from fellow Rory enthusiast, Jane Lahr. Her feelings mirror my own, and she suggests that we have to, indeed must do something to safeguard the Stratocaster. We owe it to Rory. I agree. We discuss the possibility of setting up a GoFundMe, but are unsure of the logistics. We reach out to other fans for advice. However, fate takes an unexpected turn. Over in Cork, the wheels are already in motion…

9 July 2024

“Calling all the rich people of Cork who love music! I have a plan. Holy effin bejaysus!” writes Sheena Crowley on her Facebook page. Yes, Cork’s very own Superwoman – daughter of the legendary Michael Crowley, the man who sold Rory his Strat back in 1963 – has a plan! Jane and I waste no time reaching out to her to pledge our support. Dublin-based musician Dave McHugh quickly follows suit. I feel a quiet sense of hope, but it’s still overshadowed by heartbreak. I waste far too much time that morning staring wistfully at photos of Rory with his Strat. I reread the Rewriting Rory blog post for Valentine’s Day 2022, which recounts Rory’s love affair with the guitar, and my tears fall again.

In the afternoon, RTÉ’s Liveline hosts a phone-in about the fate of Rory’s Strat. To say the lines are busy is an understatement—calls pour in non-stop! It seems like everybody in Ireland has an opinion on the matter, and most are in agreement: the Irish State should intervene and the Strat must be preserved as a national treasure. It’s a “modern-day Book of Kells,” as one caller aptly puts it. The conversations overflow with religious metaphors, yet they all feel fitting – this guitar truly is far more than an instrument; it symbolises something deeply significant to Ireland and its people. Sheena appears on the show, making a strong case for why the Strat belongs in Cork, while the director of the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience argues that Dublin is its rightful home. Deep down, we all know there’s only one person truly capturing the public’s support: Sheena. The broadcast concludes with an emotional appearance from Dónal, sharing the challenges behind his difficult decision.

It feels like we’re on the cusp of something huge here.

10 July 2024

True to her promise to save Rory’s guitar, Sheena launches a GoFundMe page entitled “Help Bring Rory Gallagher’s Strat Back to his Home Town. Without hesitation, I’m the first to donate after her, contributing €100. I’ll figure out how to pay my bills later. Right now, Rory’s Strat is the only thing on my mind. By the end of the first day, €6,000 have been raised.

11 July 2024

To coordinate our efforts, I set up a group chat for me, Jane, Sheena and Dave. We spend the day frantically emailing as many people as we can—Catherine Martin (Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media), Michael D. Higgins (President of Ireland), Dan Boyle (Lord Mayor of Cork), Lisa Nandy (Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport of the United Kingdom), Dave Fanning, and a list of media outlets including Louder Sound, Hot Press, Uncut, Mojo, Total Guitar, Guitar Player, Rolling Stone, Irish Sun and Planet Rock Radio. We also spread news of the GoFundMe campaign across all Rory Gallagher social media channels. We soon discover that the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience has launched a competing fund. That’s okay—we’re quietly confident that it won’t have the backing of Sheena’s campaign. Our confidence grows, especially after Sheena makes a compelling appearance on RTÉ News that evening and Guitar World write a piece about the GoFundMe page.

12 July 2024

A day of anger and frustration. People just won’t stop posting videos of that Bonhams’ woman across the Rory Facebook groups. I know she’s just doing her job, but her professional talk about Rory’s beloved life partner really cuts deep. And seeing her holding it is like a punch to the gut. I’m actually afraid to open social media Rory pages now, dreading the sight of that bloody auction being posted everywhere. What used to be my happy place is starting to fill me with dread. On a positive note, however, the campaign has now reached €10,000!

Our task force spends the afternoon firing out emails to anyone who we think might be able to help: Guinness, Universal, Montreux Jazz Festival, WDR, Bank of Ireland, Aer Lingus, Arts Council of Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, Irish Heritage Trust, Heritage Council of Ireland, Music Network Ireland, Vox, Fender… We also talk to Stephan Graf about the possibility of a German concert. I need to stay busy to feel useful and quiet my anxious mind. By the evening, we’ve hit €15,000! on GoFundMe.

13 July 2024

Things are getting increasingly ugly on social media. So many abusive and nasty comments about Dónal are being slung around. My inbox is flooded with messages from angry fans. While I try to respond to them all, it’s taking a toll on my mental health. I’m struggling to repeat the same things over and over. Yes, I’m as upset as everyone else, but now is not the time to be harsh towards a family already shattered by the decision they’ve been forced to take. Concerned for Dónal’s own wellbeing, I check in with him to see how he is. He replies three days later, saying he’s holding up okay and thanks me for asking.

It’s another busy afternoon as the task force sends out emails to a long list of YouTubers who have done reaction videos to Rory or tutorials on his guitar techniques. We also reach out to as many big names as possible – Brian May, Johnny Marr, Christy Moore, Bob Geldof, Ed Sheeran… We speak to fellow RG band members too; they express their upset, but feel uncomfortable getting involved, believing that it is a family matter.

14 July 2024

I’ve always had vivid dreams, but today I woke from one of the most intense I’ve ever had. In the dream, I found myself at an old church that had been converted into a concert venue. Climbing the steps inside, I spotted a man in black facing the stained-glass windows. As I approached, he turned around and smiled. To my surprise, it was Rory, as he would look today, holding his Strat. Confused, I started babbling questions about where he had been for the last 30 years. Rory smiled again and said in his gentle voice, “Please don’t judge Dónal too harshly. He’s done so much for me.” I realised he had to be referring to the instrument sale. I pointed to Rory’s Strat and asked him what he thinks should happen to it. He repeated, “Please don’t judge Dónal too harshly; he’s doing what he thinks is best.” I insist with my question. “It wouldn’t hurt me too much to see it in a museum,” he replies. The dream leaves me unsettled, yet oddly comforted throughout the day. Somehow, I just know things are going to work out.

15 July 2024

I wake up to the exciting news in The Irish Times that the Tánaiste is to explore the possible purchase of Rory’s guitar. Micheál Martin expresses his desire for the State to intervene and “get that guitar back on Leeside.” The plea is backed by Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle, who highlights Rory’s role in putting Irish rock on the international stage and the cultural significance of the guitar. The news is posted across various Irish media outlets. However, the announcement begins to impact the GoFundMe campaign, causing a significant slowdown in donations as people believe the purchase may no longer be necessary.

16 July 2024

The Journal posts a poll asking readers whether the State should intervene to buy Rory’s guitar. The results are mixed: 54.9% say yes, 39.5% say no and 5.6% are unsure. Guitar Player publishes an article on the Tánaiste’s statement. It includes a poignant quote from Daniel Gallagher, where he describes the Strat as Rory’s “wife.”

17 July 2024

YouTuber Dave Simpson gets back to us and kindly agrees to make a video about the GoFundMe campaign. The video gives new legs to the GoFundMe page and donations increase by nearly €2,000 within just an hour. However, with great success comes imitation; a fake GoFundMe page pretending to be Sheena’s appears. Frantic emails to the site lead to its shutdown a few days later. Additionally, another random GoFundMe page surfaces from someone named Dave Kiernan – to date, it has only raised €100.

18 July 2024

The campaign gains international attention when journalist Paddy McCarthy writes an article for the Irish Examiner US. Meanwhile, closer to home, Tom Dunne of the Irish Examiner writes an excellent piece about Rory’s Strat and why it needs to return to Cork. Behind the scenes, Sheena is working on various fundraising ideas, including t-shirts and a Rory Gallagher Night concert. She sends us the first prototype of the t-shirts for feedback. Jane explores the possibility of using car stickers to raise awareness of the campaign.

21 July 2024

After a few quiet days, we’re back on the campaign trail, sending emails to all the Irish Centres in the UK, as well as the Irish Embassy in the UK and the UK Embassy in Ireland. The 60 Cycle Hum podcast features a segment on the campaign, and there’s also an interview with Brendan O’Neill in the Belfast Telegraph, where he poignantly states that it would be “like an amputation to see [the Strat] in the hands of someone else.” By the evening, the GoFundMe campaign has reached €20,000.

22 July 2024

The fundraising concert starts to take shape as several local Cork musicians agree to perform for free. Sheena also reaches out to Gerry McAvoy in hopes of his participation. Meanwhile, Manx blues guitarist Davy Knowles shows his support by promoting the GoFundMe campaign across his social media pages.

23 July 2024

Immense frustration all round as Sheena informs us that Micheál Martin has cancelled meetings with her three times. She feels that he spoke out of turn when saying that the State should intervene to buy Rory’s Strat and has been pressured by officials to retract his statements. This setback dampens our hopes for the State’s commitment and underscores the importance of the GoFundMe campaign more than ever. Meanwhile, three of Rory’s instruments are displayed at Bonhams in New York, which feels like another blow, seeing his beloved items exhibited like show ponies.

25 July 2024

News of the campaign is shared by Irish Blues Stories and the Oh Yeah! Music Centre in Belfast. Sheena also sends us new t-shirt prototypes for feedback, featuring fantastic artwork by local Cork artists Sean Parnell and David O’Donavon.

30 July 2024

Another story about the GoFundMe campaign appears in the Irish Examiner today. Sheena holds talks with the Minister for Heritage and travels around County Cork, speaking with various potential wealthy sponsors.

31 July 2024

Positive news finally arrives when Dan Boyle agrees to let Sheena use City Hall for the fundraising concert. It means so much to secure this venue, which had such a strong connection with Rory over the years. The concert is scheduled for 15 September.

Later in the day, the first listings of Rory’s instruments appear on Bonhams’ website, including one of his Fender Telecasters. As I see the listings, a deep sense of sadness settles in my stomach. The reality of the situation hits hard.

7 August 2024

Sheena officially announces Rory Gallagher Night on 15 September and its impressive line-up: Hot Guitars with Seán Long, Moonchild and Sam Healy, The Watermelons and Eoghan Regan, Trés Hombres and Brian Tambling. And as a special highlight, Gerry McAvoy will join the event! Yes, she has managed to secure Rory’s former bassist for the gig, who will be flying in from France especially for the occasion. Tickets will go on sale soon.

8 August 2024

Sheena announces the final three t-shirt designs, now available for purchase in her shop. People outside of Cork are asked to contact her directly to place orders, which she will send by post. The new designs, coupled with news of the concert, give the GoFundMe campaign another boost. By the evening, we’ve reached €30,000.

15 August 2024

Tickets for Rory Gallagher Night go on sale and start selling like hot cakes immediately. There’s a palpable excitement that the Strat could soon be coming home to Cork. Meanwhile, Guitarist magazine release a poignant collector’s edition about the sale of Rory’s instrument collection. It’s a beautiful and respectful piece by Jamie Dickson, yet hard to read, nonetheless.

20 August 2024

Sheena puts out a call for photos of Rory to sell at the concert to raise funds. The response is overwhelming. Many people, including Bob Hewitt, Fin Costello and Bert Dros, quickly step up to contribute. Their generosity is telling of how much we all so deeply care about Rory and his Stratocaster.

21 August 2024

I take the plunge and book a trip to London in October to say goodbye to Rory’s instruments. Bonhams is holding a public viewing for a few days. I know it will be one of the hardest things I’ll ever do, but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see all of Rory’s ‘babies’ in the same place and I can’t let that pass me by.

26 August 2024

Cork City rallies behind the Rory Gallagher Night concert with promotional pieces in the Cork Echo, Cork Beo and Irish Examiner. Tickets have been on sale for just 11 days and are already nearly sold out, with people travelling from all over Europe to attend. It’s a true testament to Sheena’s dedication and the deep love people have for Rory. Sheena also secures somebody to record the gig so it can be livestreamed across the world on YouTube. Let’s bring that Strat home!

29 August 2024

The website www.rorycampaign.com is launched by Sheena to enable direct purchases of the t-shirts and to reach a wider audience. The site was created by Seán Parnell. Sheena also puts out a call for volunteers to help with stewarding at the concert. Meanwhile, in Lille, France, her sister shares posters about the GoFundMe campaign with local bars and sells fundraising t-shirts at her market stall.

30 August 2024

Both Jane and I receive a generic, insincere response from Lisa Nandy, saying that the UK government cannot support the campaign. It was somewhat expected, but still disappointing.

5 September 2024

I take some time out and head to Cork for a week’s holiday. Naturally, I’ve got to go and visit the indefatigable Ms Crowley in person to catch up. It’s my first time in the new shop, and it’s absolutely amazing, full of people chatting and trying out instruments. We sit down and have a great conversation about strategy and plans leading up to auction day. I also get to buy one of the fundraising t-shirts for myself, opting for the Top Priority one.

7 September 2024

Yes, it’s that woman from Bonhams again! I hadn’t seen her for a while, but now she’s at Goodwood Revival, where they’ve taken Rory’s cherished Strat and other instruments to showcase alongside the classic cars. The videos really grate on me. It just feels so wrong to see them paraded like this.

9 September 2024

My week starts on a high note when I receive an unexpected email from Dónal, inviting me to a private event at Bonham’s on 15 October to view Rory’s instrument collection. I’m really touched that he’s thought of me. The adrenaline rush is so intense that I have to go for a jog just to calm down! Of course, I immediately say yes and start rearranging all my London plans. Anxiety is kicking in, but so is my excitement at this unbelievable opportunity.

11 September 2024

Jane and I both receive a lovely reply from President Higgins. As expected, he says he can’t step in to save Rory’s Strat, but his words about Rory are so heartfelt. In a world of crappy politicians, Higgins is definitely one of the good ‘uns. In other news, the Rory Gallagher Night is now completely sold out. Against all odds, Sheena has done it!

15 September 2024

Rory Gallagher Night is finally here! I can hardly contain my excitement as the evening draws near. Although I can’t be in Cork for the event, I tune in to the YouTube livestream at 18:30. It warms my heart to see the hall packed with so many people and to feel the excitement all around. We’re in for a magical night of music ahead, and I just somehow feel that Rory is there in spirit.

The evening is hosted by Liam O’Maonlaoí of Hothouse Flowers, who does a fantastic job of introducing the acts (despite some boos when he mentions Dublin!). It kicks off with Hot Guitars and Seán Long. Joe O’Callaghan, the singer and harmonica player, is an absolute dynamo—his talent and energy would outshine many half his age. It’s also wonderful to see Rory’s old friend Johnny Campbell on bass, alongside Declan Pender and Brian Calnan, who deliver a fantastic performance. Their versions of ‘Gloria’ and ‘Don’t Start Me Talkin’ are particular crowd pleasers.

Next up is Moonchild with Seán Long once again, joined by Sean Frahill on bass, Gary Pearson and the exceptionally talented young musician Sam Healy. Long channels Rory in both look and sound, putting on an electrifying performance, with ‘Moonchild’ as my own personal highlight. The Watermelons follow, with Alan Comerford, Brendan Fennessy and Dermot Murphy delivering a masterclass in Rory’s music, complemented by guests Eoghan Regan and Andrea Bonino. And then comes Sheena herself delivering a heartfelt speech, followed by the Mayor of Cork. I’m feeling so proud right now of everyone’s efforts.

One of the evening’s highlights comes with Brian Tambling’s acoustic set, featuring a stunning version of ‘Out on the Western Plain’, before he is joined by Richie Foley on mandolin for ‘Going to My Hometown’.

The night concludes with a guest appearance from Gerry McAvoy. Drawing on his many years of experience, Gerry masterfully guides the other musicians on stage with him, energises the crowd and acts as the glue that holds it all together. The evening ends with everyone joining Gerry onstage for an all-star finale of ‘Bullfrog Blues’.

I’m on such a high that I don’t get to sleep until 2am, despite having to get up early for work the next day. Here’s hoping this becomes an annual event under Sheena’s leadership. What a way to honour Rory’s memory! The concert more than delivers, and money comes pouring in throughout the evening. By Monday morning, the GoFundMe is at almost €40,000.

19 September 2024

The official Bonhams catalogue for the sale of Rory’s instruments is released. Credit where credit is due, the catalogue is beautifully put together and features some lovely photos of Rory that I’ve never seen before. I’m also surprised by how relatively ‘cheap’ some of the instruments are, considering their iconic status. The National is valued at just £25K, the Martin at £30K, the coral sitar at £6K and the mandolin at £1K! I start to hope that if we can’t get the Strat, we might consider buying several of these lower-value items instead. Surely, it’s better to save something than nothing at all?

In the afternoon, Sheena uploads the Rory Gallagher Night concert to YouTube, giving me the chance to relive the incredible evening all over again. It’s a great way to keep those donations rolling in. By the time I go to bed, we’ve hit over €63,000!

21 September 2024

With the concert now on YouTube, it’s a perfect time to remind the press about our ongoing campaign to save Rory’s guitar. Jane and I spend the day reaching out to various music magazines, sharing the link and requesting reviews or promotion for the concert.

24 September 2024

Frasier Lewry of Louder Sound gets back to us and agrees to run a piece about the concert. True to his word, the article comes out just a few days later and gives a welcome boost to the Strat fund.

30 September 2024

After teasing fans the week before about a special announcement on 30 September, the Gallagher estate surprised fans on Monday morning by inviting them via Facebook to head down to the Oliver Plunkett bar in Cork at 11:00am. The reason? US blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa, along with Dónal and Daniel Gallagher, Gerry McAvoy and promoter Peter Aiken, are there to announce a two-night celebration of Rory at Live at the Marquee on 1 and 2 July 2025. Bonamassa will perform Rory’s Irish Tour ’74 set in full to mark both the 50th (well, 51st technically) anniversary of the iconic album and the 30th anniversary of Rory’s passing.

I must admit, when I first heard about the special announcement, I had hoped it would involve saving Rory’s Strat, so I couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. During the press conference, Joe was asked directly about the Strat and firmly stated that he had no intention of buying it, calling it a “national treasure” that belongs in Ireland. His words spread quickly, becoming headline news across Ireland by lunchtime. By evening, donations began to pour back into the GoFundMe campaign, pushing the total up to €65,266.

5 October 2024

With just 12 days left until the auction, time is running out to save Rory’s Strat. Despite our best efforts, we’re all growing increasingly anxious that the outcome is not going to be favourable. Sheena posts on her Facebook page, urging pubs and hotels across Cork to contribute to the campaign, emphasising how the museum would bring in more tourism, revenue and jobs. Slowly, donations begin to trickle in throughout the day. By the evening, the fund has increased to €68,455.

6 October 2024

Today, Sheena posts a heartfelt appeal, calling on prominent musicians across Ireland to join the cause and donate to the GoFundMe page. “Musicians have always been the preservers of our culture, and Rory Gallagher’s guitar is just as valuable, and as historically important as Brian Boru’s harp, and other national treasures!!” she writes passionately. That day in her shop, almost every customer shared a story about her father. “Maybe he is trying to communicate something to me,” she said, hoping that somehow he could work his magic on 17 October.

8 October 2024

Sheena uploads limited edition prints to the Rory Campaign website, generously contributed by several photographers, including Bob Hewitt, Fin Costello and Prakash Prak. Priced at just €20 each, these prints offer a great way to give the GoFundMe campaign yet another boost.

9 October 2024

Keeping the momentum going, Sheena announces the release of the song ‘Rory’, a song written by Pat Fitzharris and recorded at ClayCastle Recording Studios with the Echo Boys, featuring guest harmonica by Joe O’Callaghan. The song is available for download for just €2, and every contribution will make a significant difference as we work to save Rory’s Strat. With just over a week left, we’re pulling out all the stops!

13 October 2024

The fund is now at €71,000. Realistically, we realise that it’s unrealistic to try and secure the Strat at this stage. So, the goalposts shift slightly, with the new strategy being to acquire as many of Rory’s instruments as possible instead. Sheena sets a new target of €100,000 on GoFundMe to reflect this. Donations continue to trickle in and we are up to €74,000 by the evening.

14 October 2024

A glimmer of hope emerges when Micheál Martin speaks to the press once again and hints that there is work going on behind the scenes with Ireland’s biggest cultural institutions to save the Strat, but he can’t say more at this stage. Keeping everything crossed that this might become a reality! I’m on my way to London in anticipation of the private event at Bonhams tomorrow evening.

15 October 2024

I am writing this in the early hours of the morning after the best evening of my life! It was such a pleasure to finally meet Dónal in person after talking to him regularly via email and letter over the past five years or so, and to give him a copy of Rory Gallagher: The Later Years. I also had lovely conversations with his children Eoin and Kit too, and caught up with so many others like Bob Hewitt, David Hawkins from Deuce, Dom Martin, Eamonn McCormack, Frank Eichler, John Carnie, Dave Moir and Seamie O’Dowd. Seamie did an impromptu version of ‘As the Crow Flies’ on Rory’s National and it was so stunning. To hear the National being played in the flesh after so many years silent was so moving. There were also wonderful performances by Dom Martin and Laurence Jones and a great Q&A session with Dónal and Daniel.

And then, of course, there was being in the presence of all Rory’s guitars, including the Strat. I promised myself I wouldn’t cry when I saw her, but that was an impossible task! It felt so surreal and I just couldn’t stop returning and standing in front staring at every detail. So much of Rory is in that guitar that it was like he was in the room. I had a few wobbles throughout the evening, especially when Laurence Jones played ‘Follow Me’, and I had to hide in the corner to try and recompose myself. But I felt in good company as so many people around me were overwhelmed with similar emotions. The love for Rory in that room was so palpable. Like nothing I’ve ever experienced before and that I can only imagine it felt at his live shows. I hope he somehow saw it.

16 October 2024

Sheena touches down in the capital! The last few days have been filled with last-minute radio appearances, where her unbridled passion for the cause gets the fund up to a wonderful €75,712 by the evening. We’re in a strong position to secure something tomorrow. She is given paddle number 762.

17 October 2024

The big day is finally here! I’ve been up since 6:00am pretty much nervously pacing the house just waiting for 3:00pm to arrive. I’ve decided to watch the auction from home rather than go to Bonhams as I think it’ll be just too difficult. Whatever the outcome today, I am so damn proud of Sheena and all that she has achieved over these past few months. She’s really done Cork and Rory proud.

As 3:00 PM finally arrives, I find myself already in tears during the auctioneer’s heartfelt introduction about Rory, accompanied by clips of him performing on stage. I know it’s going to be an emotional few hours ahead. My stomach is in knots, and I feel a wave of sickness wash over me.

We dive straight into Lot 1—the Oahu lap steel—and the bids skyrocket. What was estimated at around £1,000 quickly climbs to £11,000 (£12,800 with premium). I can hardly believe my eyes. The antique mandolin fetches a similar amount, and then Rory’s iconic Martin Mandolin sells for a staggering £40,000 (£51,200 with premium). The prices are astonishing!

I feel like I can hardly catch my breath as Rory’s whole life flashes before me. The Bjarton, the Harmony, the Stella… all are drawing huge bids. The Stella, in particular, holds a special place in my heart; it was used in Rory’s last TV interview. It’s bittersweet to see it go, but my heart warms when the man who bought it is called out by the auctioneer for having such a huge smile on his face. At least I know it will be cherished.

Then we move on to the Martin D-35. It starts at an estimate of £30,000 and soars to £80,000 (£102,000 with premium). But there’s some good news: Sheena tells me that it’s coming home to Cork! Not through her, but from a fellow Corkman who plans to keep it in the city. What a relief!

Next up is Rory’s set of harmonicas, followed by his saxophone. Surprisingly, the sax sells for nearly £4,000 under its estimate. It’s puzzling—this auction has been so unpredictable! Now, we’re at Rory’s beloved National, and I can hardly bring myself to look. It’s my absolute favourite of his instruments. The bidding is intense, and it sells for nearly as much as the Martin, reaching £75,000 (£95,650 with premium). I’m anxious to find out who purchased it and if it’s one of the instruments destined to stay in Ireland. I can’t help but hope that it will be preserved here.

I foolishly tried to get my hands on either Rory’s National Resophonic or Continental CS-N, but both quickly go way higher than I could ever afford! I can’t work out whether these are Rory fans or guitar collectors or both bidding as there are such fluctuations. And then we get to Lot 21, the Epiphone Coronet. I hear the auctioneer address a “madam” in the audience and just know it’s Sheena Crowley. Come on, girl! I’m up out my chair screaming at the screen like a madwoman. The prices rise, a new buyer comes in online, but Sheena holds her ground. Going once, going twice, SOLD. To Sheena for £11,000 (£14,080 with premium). YES! I am so thrilled. It’s a beautiful guitar that Rory allegedly bought as he was attracted by the green for Ireland, so it’s a fitting choice.

This auction is turning out to be completely unpredictable! A flight case, originally valued at just a couple of hundred pounds, sells for an astonishing £14,080. Rory’s Esquire goes for an incredible £95,650 and the Fender Bassman fetches £12,800. Other iconic Rory instruments, like the 1958 Les Paul Junior and the Melody Maker, sell for £21,760 and £19,200, respectively.

I’m shocked to see the Kay K1962 go for £14,080 instead of the estimated £2,500 to £3,500. “This is mad!” I hear someone exclaim, to which the auctioneer responds, “It certainly is mad!” Rory’s Gretsch Corvette sells for £25,600, the Airline for £19,200, and the sitar for £11,520. It’s surprising that there were no online bids for those last two; they seemed like such accessible prices. I can’t help but feel a bit frustrated, wishing we could have secured them if more people had been willing to donate to the fund.

I’m taken aback when Rory’s Tele, used at the Isle of Wight Festival, sells for £82,950 instead of the predicted £120,000 to £150,000. Is this a sign of viewer fatigue? We’ve been at this for almost three hours, and the auctioneer hasn’t stopped for a breath—his energy is impressive! I, on the other hand, could really use a break or a good lie down!

Lot 58, Rory’s mandola, has been withdrawn, which leaves me curious about why. So, we move right on to his 1972 Eccleshall Mandolin. I had hoped to bid on this, and it seems Sheena did too, but we’re both sadly outbid. Sheena tries for another amp—though I can’t recall which one—but she’s outbid again.

Before I know it, we’re at Lot 62—Rory’s Strat. The bidding feels anticlimactic, with a surprisingly short war compared to earlier items. The auctioneer leaves plenty of chances for others to jump in, but they don’t. It sells for its lowest predicted price of £700,000, and I’m in shock. Rory loved that guitar; it was everything to him. How can others not see its worth? It feels so wrong, and I can’t help but sob.

The next few items blur together as I frantically search online, desperate to find out who bought it. I catch snippets of the auction: the Vox AC30 reaches an impressive £25,600, and the Rangemaster hits a record-breaking £12,800, but my mind is elsewhere. Who bought it? I need to know! The backup Strat goes for £127,400, and Rory’s guitar effects board for £7,040, but I’m still none the wiser.

“Come on, focus!” I tell myself as we move on to Lot 82, the 1983 Tokai Talbo Blazing Fire. I hear “madam” called again. Come on, Sheena! You’ve got this! And she does! She bags it for £6,400. I’m on my feet, cheering at the screen and dancing around the room. Another guitar is coming home to Cork!

Just then, I refresh Google and see what feels like the best news I’ve ever encountered in my life. An official press release from Catherine Martin:

Fender Stratocaster secured for National Museum of Ireland with support from Live Nation Gaiety Ltd

Following the sale today at auction in London of Rory Gallagher’s Fender Stratocaster, Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, expressed her appreciation of the special effort made to ensure the guitar will return to Ireland on a permanent basis and be on exhibition for music enthusiasts and the general public in acknowledgement of a pioneering musician and iconic performer.

The guitar has been purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd with a view to donation to the National Museum of Ireland under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act,1997. This follows prior contacts and discussions between the Department, the NMI and the purchaser, ahead of the significant auction of the legendary guitarist’s instruments and items today. The purchase agreement ensures the famous Strat will now be preserved in the ownership of the state, and made available to view for the public and Rory Gallagher’s fans around the world.

Minister Martin said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Rory’s guitar is coming home to Ireland. My Department has been working closely with the National Museum to bring this about. The successful acquisition, in association with the NMI, is hugely welcome. Since the sale of the Rory Gallagher collection was announced, I have shared in the enthusiasm of the nation, and music fans in particular, that Rory’s iconic guitar would be secured as an inspirational addition to our national heritage collection and a testimonial to his many achievements. Rory Gallagher was instrumental in establishing Ireland on a global stage as a centre for rock music. Rory achieved success around the world with his authentic blues based style and was beloved by fans for his many albums and legendary live performances.”

“The generous donation to the museum will not only allow the famous instrument to be protected for future generations and musicians, but will also attract visitors from far and wide. I look forward to hearing more of the museum’s plans to showcase the famous Strat, which I understand will include Cork, where the legendary musician grew up.”

Now I’m screaming uncontrollably, worried my neighbor might come to check on me! YES! I couldn’t bear the thought of anyone else’s hands on Rory’s beloved guitar, and now I don’t have to worry! It’s officially recognised as a national treasure and will be preserved for generations to come. How fantastic!

I try to focus again as another personal favourite, Rory’s Takamine Dreadnought, comes up. It sells for £12,160, but my mind is elsewhere. Especially when the Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience announces they’ve secured three guitars: the 1959 Gretsch Chet Atkins, the 1968 Mosrite Joe Maphis double neck and the Ibanez MC500DS. That’s at least seven of Rory’s guitars saved so far!

We conclude with the charity guitar selling for £12,800, but I’m in another world now. Nothing else matters. All I can think about is that Fender Stratocaster. A press release from Bonhams follows shortly entitled “It’s Coming Home.” It’s already making national headlines, with Dónal expressing his amazement that it was saved and will be housed in a museum—what a “cherry on top”! This represents a new era for Rory and his legacy.

I think back to the dream I had on 14 July and can’t shake the feeling that Rory has somehow worked his magic from beyond and is raising a glass with a huge smile on his face right now.

We did it, Rory. The Strat is coming home!

Things are gonna be so clear
When I’m light years from here
In some other space
Let me take the tear from your eye
Leave it behind, stay by my side

FULL RESULTS OF LIVE AUCTION, 17 OCTOBER 2024

Lot 1	Oahu Lap Steel Guitar, circa 1940s	£12,800
Lot 2	Antique Italian Mandolin	£11,520
Lot 3	Martin Mandolin, 1942	£51,200
Lot 4	Bjarton Acoustic Guitar, early 1960s	£11,520
Lot 5	Harmony Sovereign H1270 12-String Acoustic Guitar, 1960s	£10,240
Lot 6	Stella Harmony H912 12-String Acoustic Guitar, 1960s	£11,520
Lot 7	Martin D-35 Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, 1968	£102,000 Bought by Corkman for Cork!
Lot 8	Group of Harmonicas and Holder	£5,760
Lot 9	Selmer Mark VI Alto Saxophone, 1959	£10,240
Lot 10	National Triolian Resonator Guitar, 1930	£95,650
Lot 11	National Resophonic R-1 ResoLectric Electric Guitar, 1991	£7,040
Lot 12	Continental CS-N Resonator Guitar, 1993	£16,640
Lot 13	National Dynamic Lap Steel Guitar, 1951	£5,376
Lot 14	Supro Dual-Tone Electric Guitar, 1957	£11,520
Lot 15	Guyatone LG-60B Electric Guitar, 1959	£6,400
Lot 16	Silvertone Electric Guitar, 1959	£7,680
Lot 17	Burns Weill ‘RP1’ Roy Plummer Super Streamline Electric Guitar, 1959	£6,400
Lot 18	Burns Bison Electric Guitar, 1964	£7,680
Lot 19	Danelectro 3021 Shorthorn Electric Guitar, 1960	£19,200
Lot 20	Rickenbacker Combo 400 Electric Guitar, 1957	£14,080
Lot 21	Epiphone Coronet Electric Guitar, 1963	£14,080 Bought by Sheena for Cork!
Lot 22	Green Flight Case	£14,080
Lot 23	Fender Esquire Electric Guitar, 1959	£95,650
Lot 24	Fender Bassman Amplifier, 1950s	£12,800
Lot 25	Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar, 1958	£21,760
Lot 26	Fender Bassman Amplifier Head, 1958	£4,864
Lot 27	Silvertone 1360 Electric Guitar, 1960	£15,360
Lot 28	Gibson Les Paul Junior Electric Guitar, 1959	£19,200
Lot 29	Gibson Melody Maker Electric Guitar, 1960	£19,200
Lot 30	Harmony Stratotone Mars H46 Electric Guitar, 1962	£5,760
Lot 31	Gibson Melody Maker ‘D’ Electric Guitar, 1963	£11,520
Lot 32	Gretsch Chet Atkins PX6121 Electric Guitar, 1959	£14,080 Bought by Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience!
Lot 33	Kay K672 Swingmaster Semi-Acoustic Guitar, 1960	£7,040
Lot 34	Kay K1962 Value Leader Electric Guitar, 1961	£14,080
Lot 35	Supro Coronado Electric Guitar, 1960	£10,240
Lot 36	Fender Vibrolux Amplifier, 1963	£7,680
Lot 37	Gretsch Corvette Electric Guitar, 1963	£25,600
Lot 38	Fender Concert Amplifier, 1961	£8,960
Lot 39	Hawk II Tonal Expander/Booster, 1970s	£4,864
Lot 40	Silvertone S1478L Electric Guitar, 1964	£7,680
Lot 41	Teisco Del Rey TG-64 Electric Guitar, 1965	£12,160
Lot 42	Teisco TRE-100 Electric Guitar, 1965	£8,960
Lot 43	Airline ‘J.B. Hutto’ Style Electric Guitar, 1965	£19,200
Lot 44	Supro Dual-Tone Electric Guitar, 1963	£7,040
Lot 45	Coral 3S19 Electric Sitar, 1968	£11,520
Lot 46	Danelectro Bellzouki 12-String Electric Guitar, 1960s	£6,400
Lot 47	Fender Deluxe Amplifier, 1950s	£12,160
Lot 48	Vox AC10 Amplifier, early 1960s	£7,040
Lot 49	Mosrite Joe Maphis Doubleneck Electric Guitar, circa 1968	£14,080 Bought by Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience!
Lot 50	Fender Telecaster Electric Guitar, 1966	£82,950
Lot 51	Vox Mark XII Special 12-String Electric Guitar, 1967	£11,520
Lot 52	Vox Supreme Amplifier, 1967	£3,840
Lot 53	Vox AC-30 Twin Top Boost Amplifier	£10,880
Lot 54	Stramp Custom K80 Powerbaby Amplifier Together with K81 Cabinet, 1971	£8,320
Lot 55	Encore Les Paul Junior-Style Electric Guitar, 1970s	£7,040
Lot 56	Guyatone Les Paul Junior-Style Electric Guitar, early 1970s	£5,760
Lot 57	Eccleshall Custom-Made Electric Guitar, 1970s	£6,144
Lot 58	Eccleshall Mandola	Withdrawn
Lot 59	Eccleshall Mandola, 1972	£9,600
Lot 60	Eccleshall Telecaster-Style Electric Guitar, 1980s	£10,240
Lot 61	Stratocaster-Style Guitar by Luthier Chris Eccleshall, 1979	£6,400
Lot 62	1961 Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar	£889,440 Bought by Live Nation and donated to Irish State
Lot 63	Vox AC30 Top Boost Amplifier, 1960s	£25,600 Bought by Live Nation and donated to Irish State
Lot 64	Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, 1960s	£12,800 Bought by Live Nation and donated to Irish State
Lot 65	Fender Twin Amp Amplifier, 1950s	£14,080
Lot 66	Fender Telecaster Deluxe Electric Guitar, 1976	£35,840
Lot 67	Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar, 1958 (back-up Strat)	£127,400
Lot 68	Travis Bean TB500 Electric Guitar, 1976	£21,760
Lot 69	Fender Super Twin Amplifier, 1976	£5,760
Lot 70	Encore Telecaster-Style Electric Guitar, 1970s	£6,144
Lot 71	1978 Fender Musicmaster Electric Guitar, 1978	£23,040
Lot 72	Guyatone Rory Gallagher Model Electric Guitar, 1974	£10,880
Lot 73	Ibanez MC500DS Electric Guitar, 1978	£9,600 Bought by Irish Rock ‘n’ Roll Museum Experience!
Lot 74	Brown Flight Case	£3,200
Lot 75	Guitar Effects Board, 1970s/1980s	£7,040
Lot 76	Rare Tycobrahe Octavia, 1976/77	£3,840
Lot 77	Rare Tycobrahe PS-9 Parapedal 1976/77	£2,560
Lot 78	Group of Dan Armstrong Guitar Effects	£2,816
Lot 79	Marshall Model 2104 50W Combo Amplifier, 1978	£4,480
Lot 80	Marshall Model 2104 Combo Amplifier, 1980	£4,480
Lot 81	1983 Tokai Talbo Blazing Fire Electric Guitar, 1983, black	£6,400 Bought by Sheena for Cork!
Lot 82	1983 Tokai Talbo Blazing Fire Electric Guitar, 1983, white	£7,040
Lot 83	Fender Stratocaster Component Electric Guitar, 1980s	£5,760
Lot 84	Veillette Citron Shark Electric Guitar, 1980	£6,144
Lot 85	Blade R4 Stratocaster-Style Electric Guitar, 1988	£6,400
Lot 86	Blade Durango Standard Electric Guitar, 1980s	£5,120
Lot 87	Charvel 625C Electro-Acoustic Guitar, 1990s	£8,960
Lot 88	Takamine Dreadnought-Style Electro-Acoustic Guitar, 1980s	£12,160
Lot 89	Washburn Tanglewood Electro-Acoustic Guitar, 1980s	£8,320
Lot 90	Washburn Southside Jr. VGA-15 Amplifier, circa 1990	£2,816
Lot 91	Hohner L59 Les Paul-Style Electric Guitar, circa 1990s	£5,376
Lot 92	Encore Stratocaster-Style Electric Guitar, circa 1980s	£5,376
Lot 93	Fender Pro Junior Amplifier, 1994	£7,040
Lot 94	Fender Player Stratocaster HSS Electric Guitar, donated by Fender to benefit the Music Venue Trust	£12,800

FULL RESULTS OF ONLINE AUCTION, 18 OCTOBER 2024

Lot 100	Small Red Flight Case	£8,320
Lot 101	Czech Flat-Back Mandolin, circa 1960s	£7,040
Lot 102	Vintage Four-Course Bouzouki	£6,144
Lot 103	Appalachian Dulcimer	£3,072
Lot 104	Portuguese Mandola	£2,304
Lot 105	Two Brown Vintage Flight Cases	£2,560
Lot 106	Ampeg R-12R Reverberocket Amplifier, Early 1960s	£4,864
Lot 107	Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, 1960s	£5,376
Lot 108	A Group of Harmonicas	£3,072
Lot 109	Burns/Weill Fenton Electric Guitar 1959	£5,376 Bought by Sheena for Cork!
Lot 110	Musima Elektrina Electric Guitar, 1961	£5,888 Bought by Sheena for Cork!
Lot 111	Guyatone-Style Electric Guitar Project, circa 1970s	£5,632
Lot 112	Guyatone Electric Guitar, probably 1970s	£8,320
Lot 113	Antoria Fender Jazz Style Electric Bass Guitar, circa 1975	£8,320
Lot 114	Fender Bassman Amplifier Head	£4,864
Lot 115	Fender Vibro-Champ Amplifier, 1970s	£4,352 Bought by Sheena for Cork!
Lot 116	Three Fender Mini Guitar Amplifiers	£2,176
Lot 117	Stramp 2100A Amplifier, 1970s	£3,584
Lot 118	Columbus Gibson SG-Style Bass Guitar, late 1970s	£4,096
Lot 119	Vox BM1 Escort Practice Amplifier, 1970s	£2,816
Lot 120	Rocktek RK08 Practice Amplifier, No. 930400213	£2,304
Lot 121	Vox Crybaby Wah Pedal, 1960s	£1,408
Lot 122	Vox V-846 Wah Pedal, 1970s	£1,920
Lot 123	Cry Baby Super Pedal, 1970s/80s	£1,920
Lot 124	Vox Wah-Fuzz-Swell Pedal, mid 1970s	£2,176
Lot 125	Three Dunlop Pedals, late 1980s	£2,432
Lot 126	Custom-Made Electric Guitar, probably 1980s	£5,376
Lot 127	Hohner JT60 Electric Guitar, 1990s	£7,040
Lot 128	Bottle Combo Amplifier	£3,072
Lot 129	Park G25 Amplifier Combo, 1992	£2,816
Lot 130	Group of Hohner Harmonicas	£3,840
Lot 131	Dallas Rangemaster Treble Booster, 1960s	£4,608
Lot 132	Hawk II Tonal Expander/Booster	£3,072
Lot 133	WITHDRAWN
Lot 134	Two Strange Music Flight Cases	£1,088
Lot 135	Wem Copicat IC300 Tape Delay	£3,328
Lot 136	Binson Echorec 2 Echo Units, 1970s	£3,072
Lot 137	WEM Copicat Digital Echo and Other Effects Units	£1,152
Lot 138	Coloursound Flanger Pedal and Another, 1970s	£1,408
Lot 139	Coloursound Overdrive Pedal, 1970s	£1,408
Lot 140	Coloursound Mighty Atom Practice Amplifier, 1970s	£2,048
Lot 141	Ibanez Flanger FL-303 Guitar Effect, 1970s	£1,088
Lot 142	Boss Driver DB-5 Distortion/Graphic Equaliser, 1970s	£4,864
Lot 143	Maxon ZEEQ PE-800 Power Equalizer, late 1970s	£1,024
Lot 144	Carlsboro ADT Guitar Effects Unit, 1970s	£960
Lot 145	Two Ibanez Guitar Effects, 1970s/80s	£2,176
Lot 146	Two Ibanez Guitar Effects, 1970s/80s	£2,048
Lot 147	Three MXR Guitar Effects Units, 1970s/80s	£2,560
Lot 148	Two Boss Effects Pedals, 1970s/80s	£1,408
Lot 149	Two Electro-Harmonix Guitar Effects Units, late 70s/early 80s	£2,048
Lot 150	A Group of Four Flight Cases	£3,840
Lot 151	Two Pearl Guitar Effects Units,1980s	£1,024
Lot 152	Two TC Electronic Guitar Effects Units, 1980s	£1,216
Lot 153	ATC Electronic Booster and Linedriver and Distortion Guitar Effects Unit, 1980s	£1,024
Lot 154	Rockman Guitar Effects Unit, 1980s	£1,408
Lot 155	Rare Boss FET Amplifier FA-1, 1980s	£1,792
Lot 156	Two Electro-Harmonix Guitar Effects Units, 1980s	£1,408
Lot 157	Three Vintage Flight Cases	£4,608
Lot 158	ATC Electronic Dual Parametric Equalizer, 1980s	£960
Lot 159	Two Guitar Effects Units	£960
Lot 160	Two Pearl Guitar Effects Units, 1980s	£960
Lot 161	Blue DOD Analog Delay 680 Guitar Effect Unit, circa 1980	£2048
Lot 162	Four DOD Guitar Effects Units, circa 1980	£1664
Lot 163	Group of Boss Pedals and Effects	£1,536
Lot 164	Large Brown Flight Case	£4,096
Lot 165	Two Boss Guitar Effects, 1980s/90s	£896
Lot 166	Three Marshall Guitar Effects Units, 1980s/90s	£1,920
Lot 167	Marshall Drivemaster, early 1990s	£896
Lot 168	Two Boss Overdrive Guitar Pedals, 1980s/90s	£3,000
Lot 169	SansAmp Tube Amplifier Emulator, early 1990s	£1,536
Lot 170	Hughes & Kettner Crunch Master Tube Driver, circa 1990	£800
Lot 171	Mesa-Boogie V-Twin Preamp Footswitch, 1990s	£2,048
Lot 172	Hughes & Kettner Tubeman, circa 1990	£896
Lot 173	Electro-Harmonix Hot Tubes Distortion Unit, circa 1990	£1,024
Lot 174	Hughes & Kettner Tubeman, circa 1990	£1,088
Lot 175	Large Black Flight Case	£1,216
Lot 176	Four Various Guitar Effects Units	£1,664
Lot 177	Hawk II Tonal Expander/Booster	£2,432
Lot 178	Carlsboro Stingray Professional Guitar Foot Switch	£960
Lot 179	Ibanez Guitar Effects	£1,216
Lot 180	Electro-Harmonix Guitar Effects Units	£1,408
Lot 181	Schaller TR-68 Tremolo/Vibrato Transformer	£1,408
Lot 182	Silver Flight Case	£5,120
Lot 183	Trace Elliot TA100R Acoustic Combo Amplifier	£1,920
Lot 184	Trace Elliot TA200S Acoustic Amplifier	£3,072
Lot 185	Behringer SNR 201 Guitar Denoiser, circa 1990	£1,792
Lot 186	WITHDRAWN
Lot 187	Hohner Pianet N, late 1960s	£3,584
Lot 188	Rosedale Electric Chord Organ	£2,432
Lot 189	Korg CX-3 Model Organ, 1980s	£2,816
Lot 190	Two Furman Sound PQ3 Equalisers	£1,216