President Michael D. Higgins today hosted an event to mark the unveiling of a new commemorative coin in honour of the legendary Irish guitarist Rory Gallagher.

At the event, which took place in Áras an Uachtaráin, the Governor of the Central Bank Philip R. Lane presented the Rory Gallagher silver coin to President Michael D. Higgins. Philip Lane also spoke glowingly about the importance of musicians and performers to Ireland, and emphasised the link between our cultural achievements and the economy.

Rory Gallagher’s brother, Dónal Gallagher, was presented with the commemorative coin by President Higgins; and coin designer Michael Guilfoyle, was also presented with a coin.

The commemorative coin, produced by the Central Bank of Ireland, is the first in a series of three honouring modern Irish musicians. Others to be included in the series will be Philip Lynott and Luke Kelly.

In addition to representatives from the Central Bank and the Department of Finance, among those in attendance were members of the Gallagher family, including Dónal’s wife Cecilia, Dave Fanning, Hot Press editor Niall Stokes, promoter Peter Aiken, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Dutch Mint Vincent van Hecke, journalist Ken Sweeney and ex-RTE man Julian Vignoles.

"In our time, I would ask what better symbol could we find for our creative, artistic, freedom-loving country than an image of one of our most iconic musicians, Rory Gallagher?” President Higgins said. "I am so pleased that the Central Bank, assisted by the Numismatic Advisory Committee and spurred on by members of the public, decided to honour and commemorate Rory in this way.

"I am truly delighted to have the opportunity to present Dónal Gallagher with a commemorative coin honouring his brother,” he added. "Dónal, you have been a wonderful custodian of the memory and legacy of your brother, something for which I believe the whole country should be grateful."

For the full speech made by President Michael D. Higgins, click here...