The road that leads you into Cork Airport is now called Rory Gallagher Avenue.

The signage confirming that the airport is honouring one of Ireland's greatest ever musicians was unveiled this morning by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, himself a Cork man. Members of Rory Gallagher’s family joined the Taoiseach for the occasion, alongside the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dan Boyle, Cork Airport MD Niall MacCarthy and representatives of Cork’s civic and business communities.

Guests in attendance at today’s event were treated to a rendition of some of Rory Gallagher’s most notable works by well-known Belgian guitarist, Jacques Stotzem, who travelled to Cork especially for the event.
Cork Airport will now form part of new a Rory Gallagher trail, titled Stompin’ Ground – a Cork City Council initiative highlighting places and locations around the city by the Lee that were strongly associated with Rory’s life and career.

The re-naming of the road was organised following close cooperation between Cork Airport, the Gallagher family, Cork City Council and Universal Music. Gallagher, who grew up in Cork, rose to international fame as a masterful blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Revered for his electrifying performances and soulful sound, his influence spans generations of musicians. Rory still has many adoring fans in far flung places across the globe. His legacy continues to resonate strongly in Cork, his home city, and around Ireland.

Including its trip to the airport, Cork City Council’s Stompin’ Ground heritage trail is designed to bring visitors to focal points around the city which influenced Rory’s career – including the location of the former Crowley’s Music Shop on MacCurtain Street, where he bought his famous Stratocaster guitar and other prominent music venues across the city where he performed. Cork Airport is located on the trail as Rory was a frequent visitor to Cork Airport when flying to and from his home city, as he embarked on his various gigs and performances across the world or returned home for holidays and breaks.

“It is an immense honour to officially unveil Rory Gallagher Avenue at Cork Airport,” An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said. "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.”

"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,” Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Dan Boyle, added. "Cork Airport will be a stop on the new 'Cork Rocks for Rory' trail, championed by Cork City Council, and will guide visitors to various locations across the city that were synonymous with Rory's life and work."

“This is a wonderful tribute to my brother,” Dónal Gallagher, brother of Rory, observed, "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.”

“We are honoured at Cork Airport, to celebrate the life and achievements of Rory Gallagher by naming the main entrance road in his memory.” Niall MacCarthy, Cork Airport Managing Director, said. "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."

A series of three exhibitions, honouring Rory on his 30th Anniversary, will run in various locations in Cork City over the coming weeks. A full report and photo galleries will follow on hotpress.com. Watch this space!