Cork airport road renamed in honour of Rory Gallagher on 30th anniversary of musician's death
In many ways, the airport is a fitting place to memorialise the legendary guitarist who also has a city-centre plaza named after him, and an abstract statue by Geraldine Creedon, in Cork.
As airport managing director Niall MacCarthy mentioned in his address, it was from this facility that Gallagher took his first ever plane journey in June 1965, when he flew to Spain with The Impact showband for their residency at an American air force base near Madrid. Fresh from his Leaving Cert, the talented 17-year-old had reluctantly agreed to cut his trademark long hair before travelling, for fear of not being admitted to Franco-ruled Spain.
Cork Airport also featured in Gallagher's final journey when the 47-year-old was returned home following his death in London on June 14, 1995.
In the intervening years, the Ballyshannon-born, Cork-raised musician had established a reputation as one of the best guitarists in the world. One of Ireland's first rock stars, Gallagher was a source of pride for Corkonians who witnessed one of their own rubbing shoulders with all sorts of international luminaries.
Indeed, the airport unveiling came in a week when the music world was mourning the loss of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, both figures that Gallagher had shared bills with.
Gallagher toured extensively in the US and Europe, but his younger brother Dónal recalled how Rory had always retained his affection for his hometown. 'Coming back to Cork Airport was the moment he always cherished and always loved. And the family and I are so deeply honoured. Thank you to everyone for turning out,' said Dónal.
Karen Skelly from Ballyshannon, Keery Irvine from Belfast and Fiona Campbell at the launch of Cork Rocks for Rory. Picture: Darragh Kane
During his speech at the event, the Taoiseach also recalled Gallagher's humility, describing how, during his tenure as Lord Mayor of Cork in 1993, he had to coax a the shy and reluctant star into attending a civic reception following a benefit gig at the Everyman Theatre for Bosnian refugees.
'Rory Gallagher was a genuine rock star who inspired people right around the world with his music,' added Mr Martin. '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.'
Rebecca Loughry and Sarah Wrixon at the launch of Cork Rocks for Rory. Picture: Darragh Kane
The airport unveiling also coincided with an ongoing Cork Rocks For Rory event that the City Council is running with the Gallagher family. A number of Rory-related exhibitions, discussions and other events are taking place across the city, culminating in three concerts by American guitarist Joe Bonamassa at the Marquee on July 1-3.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Everything banned from Oasis Dublin gigs including the humble ham sandwich
If you were lucky enough to snag a ticket to see Oasis in Dublin this weekend, get ready for a truly unforgettable experience. The sun is expected to shine on concertgoers, setting the perfect scene for the Gallagher brothers to unleash a set packed with their greatest hits and fan favourites. This tour marks Noel and Liam Gallagher's first live performances together in over 16 years, following a famously bitter public feud that saw the band break up in 2009 and left millions of fans heartbroken. But now, the iconic Britpop band are back and stronger than ever, with tickets for their Croke Park shows this Saturday and Sunday selling out in less than a day. The excitement in Dublin is already palpable as Oasis prepares to perform to a combined 160,000 fans over two nights - their first Irish gig since 2008. After finally putting their differences aside last year, the brothers announced their highly anticipated reunion tour. With legendary anthems like 'Wonderwall', 'Don't Look Back in Anger' and 'Champagne Supernova' almost guaranteed to echo around GAA HQ, fans can expect a show that blends nostalgia, spectacle and the unmistakable energy that only Oasis can deliver. But before attendees grab their bucket hats and parkas and head for the turnstiles, there's one thing they'll want to check - the long and frankly bizarre list of banned items. From lightsabers to reflective jackets, Chinese lanterns and iPads, the list of what can't be brought into Croke Park is surprisingly long and surprisingly strict. Even ham sandwiches from home are off limits. So is any kind of food - except where otherwise stated - along with air horns, flagpoles, selfie sticks and more. Anyone turning up with a pram, a camera with a detachable lens or even a fold-up chair will be stopped at the gates, as organisers MCD crack down with strict entry rules. While food, alcohol and cans aren't allowed in, fans won't go hungry or thirsty. Organisers have confirmed a variety of options will be available inside, along with free water points. Oasis Dublin banned items - full list Aerosols Air Horns Alcohol Animals (other than registered guide or hearing dogs) Any item which may reasonably be considered for use as a weapon Audio recorders Backpacks Bikes (including e-bikes) Bottle caps Buggies Cans Cameras with a detachable lens or recording equipment Camping Equipment Carts Chains (of any kind) Chairs (excluding wheelchairs) Chinese or Sky lanterns Cigarettes (in excessive quantities) Deck chairs Drones Excessive quantities of anything, where there may be presumed intent to sell Folding chairs Food (except where otherwise stated) Fireworks Flag Poles Flares Glass / Glass containers Go Pro cameras Hard plastic reusable bottles Hi-viz of any kind Illegal substances iPads Knee-scooters Laser pens or laser pointers Lightsabers Megaphones Metal reusable bottles Nitrous Oxide Prams Professional/Semi-professional cameras, STILL OR DIGITAL Recording equipment, SOUND or VIDEO Scooters (including e-scooters) Selfie sticks Shooting sticks Signs or flags bigger than A3 size Smoke Canisters Sound systems Spray cans Tridents Umbrellas Unofficial tabards or reflective jackets Wagons Weapons Strict security checks will be in place for everyone attending the Oasis concerts at Croke Park. All patrons will be subject to searches as allowed by law, both at entry and potentially inside the venue, to ensure the safety of all attendees. Separately, fans are strongly advised to avoid bringing large bags or backpacks, as these could cause delays or even result in refusal of entry. Bags larger than A4 size are strictly prohibited. There will be no storage facilities available on site, and any items left at entrances or in the surrounding area will be removed and disposed of. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Celebrity SAS's Rudy Reyes accused of secret affair with Real Housewife behind husband's back
Phypers has denied being emotionally and physically abusive to his ex Denise Richards CHEAT SHOCK Celebrity SAS's Rudy Reyes accused of secret affair with Real Housewife behind husband's back CELEBRITY SAS star Rudy Reyes has been accused of having an affair with Real Housewife Denise Richards by her estranged husband. Aaron Phypers, 49, filed for divorce from former Bond girl Richards, 54, last month following an explosive row. 5 Rudy Reyes has been accused of having an affair with Denise Richards Credit: Getty 5 Denise starred on Special Forces: World's Toughest Test in 2023 Credit: Getty 5 Aaron Phypers filed for divorce from Richards last month Credit: Getty The American businessman has now claimed he discovered Richards was cheating on him with former Marine Reyes, 53, back in April. Richards starred with Reyes in the third series of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test in 2023. The military instructor split from his gun instructor girlfriend Jade Struck, 25, earlier this year. In an interview with The Mail, Phypers said Richards had promised to break things off with Reyes, only to hook up with him the following month in a California hotel. That alleged rendezvous was the basis for their July showdown that signalled the end of their marriage. READ MORE ON CELEBRITY SAS marching orders Celebrity SAS star axed after 'lying & cheating' on show - as another quits Phypers said: "I'm broken-hearted and f***ing tired. Really, she's f***ed me up. "We've been together nine years and for her to do that and to lie to me consistently - I'm totally tired and drained." He said the relationship had been rocky for some time, aggravated by six house moves over the course of their relationship and dozens of pets under their care. He said Richards owned 58 dogs, two pot-bellied pigs, and an 'incontinent' Sphinx cat. The disgruntled ex also accused Richards of being addicted to vicodin and alcohol. But the breaking point came when Phypers said he discovered 107 messages between Richards and Reyes, some of which detailed hotel meet ups and included intimate photos. Furious TV bosses yell at us for pushing celebs too hard, admits Rudy Reyes as he reveals reason why NONE of the stars would pass day 1 of SAS training He told the publication: "I just had this feeling that something was off because her behavior had changed – she was being kind of cool to me. "I opened her phone – we both know each other's passwords - so I opened it up and then I went to her deleted texts and there were 107 of them between her and this guy. "I went through them and it just broke my heart." Following Phypers and Richards' row in July, the actress filed a lawsuit accusing him of physical and verbal abuse, including leaving her with a black eye. Phypers has vehemently denied the claims, telling US Weekly, "Let me be unequivocally clear: I have never physically or emotionally abused Denise — or anyone. "These accusations are completely false and deeply hurtful. Denise and I, like many couples, have faced our share of challenges, but any suggestion of abuse is categorically untrue. "I have always tried to approach our marriage with love, patience, and respect. I ask for privacy as we navigate personal matters, and I hope that the public and media will refrain from spreading harmful and baseless claims.' The Sun has contacted representatives for Richards and Reyes for comment. 5 Reyes is currently on screens in the UK in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins Credit: PA 5 Richards has accused Phypers of emotional and physical abuse, which he has denied Credit: Getty
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Bonnie Blue Instagram mystery as star vanishes after Ibiza Final Boss video
Bonnie Blue disappeared from Instagram just hours after sharing a video with 'Ibiza Final Boss' Jack Kay. The contentious adult star, who has been banned from OnlyFans, a football stadium and Australia due to her extreme and potentially hazardous sex stunts, vanished from the social media platform today, with her previously verified account being inaccessible for several hours. This isn't the first time Bonnie has gone missing from Instagram. Earlier this year, her account on the Meta-owned platform went dark, as did her TikTok page. The star's Instagram has now dramatically reappeared, but it remains unclear whether it was temporarily banned or removed by Bonnie herself. This comes as 'Ibiza Bob' kickstarts his music career with a cheeky single. The sex worker is infamous for using rage bait as the cornerstone of her marketing strategy, making any move away from social media a surprising decision. She recently confessed in a divisive Channel 4 documentary about her life that she uses multiple different accounts on each platform to spam users with content designed to outrage viewers and drive engagement, reports the Mirror. Bonnie Blue (Image: Rob Parfitt / Channel 4) Bonnie Blue. (Image: Jam Press/@bonnie_blue_xox) She also bragged about mocking and belittling women in her posts. PR expert Sophie tells The Mirror about her social media scheme: "Her use of rage-baiting and hostility towards other women may also point to internalised misogyny or a competitive survival strategy in a space where attention equals power. "Publicly belittling others can offer a temporary illusion of control or superiority – especially when self-worth is closely tied to external validation, views, or notoriety." The Instagram snub comes hot on the heels of Bonnie's peculiar rendezvous with viral Geordie party-goer Jack Kay. In a cringe-inducing video from their Ibiza meet-up, Jack is seen with his arm casually slung around Bonnie, facing away from her. Another clip shows the pair engaging in awkward chit-chat, standing noticeably distant from each other. Following their encounter, Bonnie revealed in a now-removed clip: "It was my shortest video yet. I was shocked how nervous he was." Bonnie has gained infamy for participating in extreme sexual stunts, including sleeping with 1,057 men within just 12 hours. Recently, her controversial career aspirations escalated to such an extent that OnlyFans, the platform where she made her mark, decided she was no longer suitable. The last straw came in June, when the 26 year old unveiled her plans to host a human "petting zoo challenge". The stunt would have involved Bonnie being locked in a glass cage while strangers were invited to do "whatever they wanted" to her. In Channel 4's programme '1,000 Men And Me: The Bonnie Blue Story' - which triggered hundreds of Ofcom complaints - Nottinghamshire-born Bonnie bragged: "I am going to be completely helpless, tied down, gagged, choked". OnlyFans has expressed concerns about this stunt, stating it violated their Acceptable Use Policy and Terms of Service, resulting in a permanent ban. Campaigners and fellow sex workers have long urged the website to take action against Bonnie's stunts, but she continued to be platformed until recently. In a statement confirming the permanent ban, an OnlyFans spokesperson previously stated: "Extreme challenge content is not available on OnlyFans and is not permitted under our Acceptable Use Policy and Terms of Service. "Any breach of our Terms of Service results in content or account deactivation... This is why it has been necessary to take this action. We always act when users breach our terms of service." For Bonnie, who alleges to have made millions through the site, this was a significant setback. Shortly after the ban, she accused OnlyFans of acting inconsistently and succumbing to peer pressure. She alleged: "OnlyFans took unprecedented action by banning me for making content, while multiple other creators are mimicking my entire marketing techniques and events." Adding that she ensures all safety checks are in place at her events, Bonnie went on to say: "If I didn't have the platform I have for the hard work I've done, I don't think they would have battered an eyelid, as proven with all of these other creators." Bonnie Blue. (Image: bonnie_blue_xox/Instagram) Bonnie Blue met the Ibiza Final Boss for a surprise visit (Image: Supplied) This isn't the first occasion Bonnie has faced a stringent prohibition. Earlier this year, Bonnie revealed to the Daily Star that she'd been escorted from Nottingham Forest Football Stadium premises last October and given a lifetime ban. She claimed: "I didn't understand why, because I'd not actually done anything. Even in my TikToks leading up to the game, I never said I wanted to have sex, do any half-time bonking, nothing. I just said: 'Hey, I'm going to be at the Nottingham game'. "When you go to football, you've got football hooligans, people fighting, drinking, you've got so much bigger things to be concerned about, and they were just like - no, you're banned." Bonnie is also barred from Australia following her intentions to sleep with 18 year old lads for content during 'Schoolies Week', which enraged Australian parents. A 20,000-signature petition followed, resulting in her visa being cancelled. Whether Bonnie has been suspended from Instagram remains to be confirmed. The Mirror has contacted Instagram and Bonnie Blue's representatives for comment. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
