The National Museum of Ireland can confirm that Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster was today purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd with a view to donate it to the National Museum of Ireland under Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997. 

Section 1003 of the Taxes Consolidation Act, 1997, is a tax relief available in respect of the donation of important national heritage items to the national collection of Ireland. 

Together with the Department of Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, the National Museum has been engaged for some time in a process to secure the iconic guitar. The National Museum of Ireland also succeeded with the acquisition of Rory’s ‘Back-up guitar’, a 1958 Stratocaster. 

Director of the National Museum of Ireland Lynn Scarff, said; “We are thrilled that Rory’s guitar is destined for the national collection. He is one of Ireland’s most iconic musicians, and his talent for playing the guitar is legendary and celebrated globally. It’s fitting that these guitars will become part of Ireland’s national collection, to be treasured and secured for generations to come and for the Irish public and visitors to Ireland to admire and enjoy.”

“We are very grateful to Live Nation Gaiety Ltd and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media, who have enabled the National Museum in securing the 1961 Fender Stratocaster and the 1958 Stratocaster.

Section 1003 is an important tax relief that supports philanthropic donations to the Museum and other national cultural institutions,” she said. 

It is planned that Rory’s guitar’s will be exhibited as part of Changing Ireland, a new permanent exhibition in Collins Barracks next year, as well as being exhibited in Cork. 

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Image: Bonhams