Square renamed to Rory Gallagher Place in tribute to Cork
musical legend.
 

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
 
 
 

A Brief History of Rory Gallagher

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.