Rory Gallagher's guitar to be donated to National Museum

Rory Gallagher is widely considered to be one of the world's greatest ever guitarists

The iconic guitar that Irish rock and blues legend Rory Gallagher played throughout his career has been sold at auction for more than £889,000.

Gallagher, widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, bought the 1961 Fender Stratocaster for £100 in 1963.

The guitar has been purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd with a view of donating it to the National Museum of Ireland.

It was one of a number of the Irish musician's instruments and other items being auctioned by the Gallagher estate on Thursday with a reserve price of between £700,000 and £1m.

Rory Gallagher, performing in 1975, is considered one of the world's greatest ever guitarists

The hammer went down at Bonham's auction house in London at £700,000 but with a premium included, the final price comes to £889,400.

The guitar, which was one of a 94-lot collection consisting of guitars, amps and accessories from Rory Gallagher's life and career, made a total of £2.3m.

The whole collection was on view to the public for the very first time ever prior to the sale on Thursday.

'Spreading his music and memory'

Head of Bonhams Popular Culture department Claire Tole-Moir said they were absolutely delighted with the response.

"We had a queue to enter the saleroom on the day and people have flown in from all around the world to see the exhibition," Claire said.

"Rory Gallagher was a true inspiration to many, and we would like to thank the Gallagher family from entrusting us to bring this collection to auction."

Dónal Gallagher, Rory's brother and former manager, said their family has been "overwhelmed by the response to this auction" and "the outpouring of love and respect shown towards Rory and his incredible legacy".

"Rory meant so much to so many people, and we want to thank everyone who took part in the auction and everyone who shared their own memories of Rory with us.

"It has been nearly 30 years since my brother's passing, and though it was a difficult decision to part with this collection, I am grateful that these treasured instruments can now tour the globe as Rory did, spreading his music and memory."

Gallagher bought the 1961 Fender Stratocaster for £100 in 1963

Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, and spent part of his childhood in Londonderry.

Although born in the north west, Gallagher spent his formative years in Cork after his family relocated there in the 1956.

He first made headlines with his band, Taste, in the late 1960s.

When Jimi Hendrix was asked how it felt to be the world's greatest guitarist, he is reported to have said: "I don't know, go ask Rory Gallagher."

Gallagher's albums have sold more than 30 million copies globally.

He died in June 1995 at the age of 47.

Return to Ireland

Following the sale, Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media said she appreciated the "special effort made to ensure the guitar will return to Ireland on a permanent basis".

The plans for donation to the National Museum of Ireland follows prior contacts and discussions between the department, the museum and the purchaser.

"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," Martin added.

In 2018, the Central Bank of Ireland marked the 70th anniversary of Gallagher’s birth with the launch of a commemorative coin.