Sheena Crowley Named Cork Person of the Month for January for Efforts to Keep Rory Gallagher’s Guitar in Ireland

Sheena Crowley has been recognised as Cork Person of the Month for January, honouring her successful campaign to keep legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster in Ireland. Her dedication not only ensured the preservation of a significant piece of Irish musical heritage but also highlighted her longstanding contribution to Cork’s vibrant music community.

Sheena, who runs Crowleys Music Centre on Friar Street, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the potential sale of Gallagher’s iconic guitar to an overseas buyer. Through relentless media appearances, advocacy, and the organisation of a tribute concert at Cork City Hall, she mobilised public and political support to keep the Stratocaster in Irish hands.

Her efforts resulted in significant discussions between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and the Media and Live Nation Gaiety Ltd., who ultimately secured the guitar. Once officially donated to the National Museum of Ireland, the instrument will remain state-owned and available for public display, including in Cork.

Beyond saving the Strat, Sheena’s fundraising campaign on GoFundMe collected over €75,000, allowing for the purchase of additional memorabilia and instruments once owned by Gallagher. These items will soon be on display in a museum in Cork City, further preserving the legacy of the renowned blues and rock musician.

Sheena’s efforts reflect a deep-rooted family tradition in Cork’s music scene. Her grandfather, Tadhg O Crualaoi, established the original Crowleys Music Centre in 1926, and it was at this very shop that a 15-year-old Rory Gallagher first acquired his famous Stratocaster from Sheena’s father, Michael, in 1963. The store, which later moved to MacCurtain Street, became a key hub for musicians until its closure in 2013. However, Sheena revived the business in 2023, transforming it into a multi-use music space that continues to sell and repair instruments while offering podcasting and teaching facilities, as well as hosting events and workshops.

Speaking about her recognition, Sheena Crowley said:

"Everyone in Cork loves Rory, but he has held a particularly special place in my family’s heart since he bought the Strat from my father in 1963. It would have been an awful waste for Rory’s guitar, that brought joy to so many, to be sold overseas and potentially just held in storage for years.

"It took a lot of work but I’m delighted that the campaign to keep the guitar in Irish hands ultimately proved successful, and I’m thrilled that it will be put on display for the public to enjoy. Rory is a cultural icon in Cork, Ireland and across the world’s rock and blues community, and I’m sure that he will continue to be celebrated for decades to come."

Awards Organiser Manus O’Callaghan praised Sheena’s determination, stating:

"It’s fair to say that without Sheena’s tireless campaigning over many months, it’s very possible that the guitar would have been lost to the country, perhaps forever. This award serves as a token of thanks from all Cork people for the tremendous service she has provided in ensuring that Rory’s Strat, the ultimate Cork cultural artefact, stays in the hands of the people."

Sheena’s name will now go forward alongside other monthly winners for consideration as Cork Person of the Year at the annual Gala Awards Lunch in January 2026.