Ballybofey blues star Muireann Bradley gave new life to one of Rory Gallagher’s guitars during a stunning performance in Ballyshannon at the weekend.
The 17-year-old singer/guitarist became the first person to play one of Gallagher’s guitars after they were auctioned in London last month.
The collection of guitars and memorabilia was bought with the intention of bringing it home to Ireland, and Ballyshannon people can look forward to it being on exhibit in Gallagher’s birthplace in 2025.
Gallagher’s Kay K672 Semi Acoustic Guitar, like many of his instruments, lay in storage for 36 years.
That was until Saturday night, when Muireann was handed the guitar to perform to a full audience in St. Anne’s Church Ballyshannon for the Allingham Arts Festival.
It is believed that Gallagher himself was the last person to play the guitar before it was auctioned.
Muireann said it was an “honour” to play the guitar on the stage, after only learning that she would be getting a loan of the guitar that day.
The blues prodigy effortlessly adapted to the instrument for a performance of Stagolee by Mississippi John Hurt.
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Video: RORY GALLAGHER INTERNATIONAL TRIBUTE FESTIVAL
In a historic moment, the Kay K672 became the first of Rory Gallagher’s iconic guitars to be played in public. Barry O’Neill, organiser of the Rory Gallagher Festival in Ballyshannon, confirmed that the Gallagher family was aware Muireann would be performing with Rory’s Kay Swingmaster. They were delighted that the guitar was being played so soon after the auction.
Barry added that he was personally thrilled to have several of Rory’s guitars and many other items coming to Ballyshannon to form a new exhibition entitled “Cradle Rock” next year.
Rory Gallagher photographed with his Kay K672 Swingmaster Semi-Acoustic Guitar Photo: Rory Gallagher International Festival
