Memorabilia relating to the life of Ireland's most famous bluesman, Rory Gallagher, including the guitar he played when he won a talent competition at the age of 12, will go on display today at the Triskel Arts Centre in Cork city.
Homecoming: Rory Gallagher tells the story of the musician's life through interactive exhibits, listening posts and footage of one of Rory's concerts broadcast in an auditorium space.
Wherever Gallagher went in the world he sent home postcards to his mother, Monica. His brother Donal also kept a scrapbook of material throughout his school years.
Following Mrs Gallagher's death last year, the family uncovered boxes full of Rory's personal correspondence at her home.
Donal also uncovered suitcases Rory had left in the house when he came back from tour. Some of the suitcases had not been opened in 30 years and proved to be a treasure trove of material for the exhibit.
The exhibit will also feature exclusive images from rock photographer Fin Costello's archive.
Costello is noted for his iconic shots of musicians and rock groups, such as Mick Jagger, Kiss, Aerosmith, Deep Purple and Ozzy Osbourne.
Ben Cuddihy, general manager of the Triskel Arts Centre, says the exhibition is a "unique restrospective portrait of Rory as a recording artist and live performer". It runs at Lavitts Quay, Cork, from October 9th to November 10th next.
Meanwhile, close to 2,000 people have signed a petition urging Cork County Council to rename Cork International Airport after Gallagher.
Although born in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal, Gallagher grew up in Cork and it was in the city that he started his musical career with the Fontana Showband, moving on to bands Impact and Taste before embarking on a solo career.
Gallagher died of liver failure in London in 1995 and is buried in Cork city. He is regularly credited as one of the most influential Irish rock and blues musicians of all time.
The organiser of the petition, Richard Seamon, a blues fan from Cheshire in England, says there "would be no better way" to keep Gallagher's memory alive than by petitioning the relevant authorities to rename Cork airport as Cork Rory Gallagher airport.