Further appeal for Rory Gallagher’s iconic guitar to remain in Ireland

There are renewed appeals for a guitar owned by Rory Gallagher to be purchased and remain in Ireland.The famous Fender Stratocaster owned by the Ballyshannon musician will be up for auction in London later this month with an estimated value of €1.1 million.Speaking in Cork this week, US rocker Joe Bonamassa urged Irish entrepreneurs to purchase the instrument, saying it would be a “tragedy” if it was lost to Ireland.The guitar was bought in Crowley's Music Store, Cork in 1963 and has been on display in Ireland at various times however no permanent home had been found for it.But Chairperson and Founder of Rory Gallagher International Tribute Festival Barry O'Neil still feels that the state should step in: