Cork Airport's Main Entrance Road Renamed in Honour of Blues Legend Rory Gallagher
Cork Airport's main entrance road officially renamed Rory Gallagher Avenue today, marking 30 years since the blues legend's passing.
The main entrance to Cork Airport has been officially renamed "Rory Gallagher Avenue" in a ceremony attended by An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD, marking the 30th anniversary of the Cork-born guitar legend's passing.
The dedication ceremony took place today at Cork Airport, bringing together members of the Gallagher family, political leaders, and representatives from Cork's civic and business communities. The timing coincides precisely with the anniversary of Gallagher's death in 1995, when Ireland lost one of its most internationally acclaimed musicians at just 47 years of age.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:
"It is an immense honour to officially unveil 'Rory Gallagher Avenue' at Cork Airport. Rory Gallagher was a genuine rock star who inspired people right around the world with his music. His legacy is one which reverberates across Cork, and it is only fitting that he is honoured in the city where he spent much of his life. I want to pay tribute to the Gallagher family and all those at Cork Airport and Cork City Council in bringing about this wonderful initiative in Rory's memory."
Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle added:
"It's both a pleasure and a privilege to join An Taoiseach and members of the Gallagher Family at the official unveiling of 'Rory Gallagher Avenue' at Cork Airport today. Rory's name will be forever remembered at the airport that brought him all over the world, showcasing his unique talent and equally so, the airport that welcomed him home."
The ceremony featured a special musical tribute from Belgian guitarist Jacques Stotzem, who travelled to Cork specifically for the occasion to perform some of Gallagher's most notable works.
Dónal Gallagher, brother of Rory, expressed the family's gratitude: "
This is a wonderful tribute to my brother, with the naming of the Cork Airport thoroughfare Rory Gallagher Avenue/Ascaill Ruairí Uí Ghallchóir, a roadway he traversed throughout his lifetime to engage with his international career. Our family are deeply honoured by this heartfelt gesture, on the occasion of his 30th anniversary."
The airport holds particular significance in Gallagher's story, as he was a frequent traveller through Cork Airport when flying to and from his home city for performances across the globe. This connection has earned Cork Airport a place on Cork City Council's new "Stompin' Ground" heritage trail, which will guide visitors to various locations across the city that were integral to Rory's life and career.
The trail will include significant spots such as the former Crowley's Music Shop on MacCurtain Street, where Gallagher purchased his famous Stratocaster guitar, and various music venues across the city where he performed throughout his career.
Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport's Managing Director, said:
"We are honoured at Cork Airport, to celebrate the life and achievements of Rory Gallagher by naming the main entrance road in his memory. We are so proud of our heritage and culture in this region and we at Cork Airport play our part in its celebration and promotion. We thank the Gallagher Family and Cork City Council for wonderful collaboration in this initiative."
The road renaming was achieved through close cooperation between the Gallagher family, Cork City Council, and Universal Music. The naming ceremony is part of a broader "Cork Rocks for Rory" celebration running from today, featuring simultaneous photographic and memorabilia exhibitions at Cork City Hall, Central Library, and Public Museum. This wider celebration is being organised by the Rory Gallagher estate in collaboration with Cork City Council and Cork City Libraries.
Gallagher's influence on rock and blues music remains profound, with legends including Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Brian May, and The Edge all citing him as an inspiration. His reputation as a "musician's musician" continues to inspire guitar heroes worldwide, cementing his status as one of Ireland's most beloved musical icons.
Cork Airport welcomed over 3.1 million passengers in 2024, representing a 10% increase from the previous year, and is forecasting similar growth in 2025.
