It's one of the most iconic instruments in Irish music history and now it's being put up for auction - fans are calling on the Irish Government to bid on Rory Gallagher's 1961 Fender Stratocaster and bring it home.
The Strat will be the item everyone will have their eye on when a collection of the artists guitars, amps and accessories which will go up for auction at Bonhams in New Bond Street, London on October 17.
When the news was shared on the artist's X page, fans started replying saying that the Government should buy the piece of Irish music history so that it can be enjoyed by the public.
One fan tagged Cork City Council, saying: "One of the most famous guitars in the world bought in Crowley's music shop McCurtain St in 1963 by one of the greatest guitarists in the world. Please don't let it fall into private hands, let's bring it back to Rory's Hometown...."
Another replied: "The Irish Government need to buy these".
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Several other fans of Gallagher - who is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists to ever live - expressed concern over the thought of the Strat guitar being bought by a private collector and disappearing from public view.
Social media users seem keen to feature the instrument in a display right here in his resting place of Cork - or to keep it available and have it be made available to be played at live gigs.
Rory Gallagher's brother Dónal posted an emotional website on the star's website when he announced he would be auctioning off some of his instruments.
He wrote: "Since 1995, I have always felt that there was a mission to be fulfilled to cement Rory’s legacy and further widen the knowledge of his music.
"So, following much deliberation and reviewing of all options, in what is one of the most difficult and sensitive decisions to reach, I have decided to facilitate the release of his instruments for sale, so that these emblems of his legacy can be enjoyed by others.
"It is difficult to separate or even begin to quantify the depth of relationship Rory had with his instruments, this decision is one I recognise as challenging for some, however, with the proceeds raised from this instrument sale we will continue to do further good for Rory’s name and legacy, as well as assisting good causes, that my brother would have supported."
The guitarist's influence stretches far beyond Cork or the island of Ireland - with icons like Brian May and Eric Clapton citing him as a huge source of inspiration - so when his collection goes up for sale in London in three months time there will be stiff competition to bag such a legendary item.
