Rory Gallagher Avenue, Cork Airport

In the summer of 1965, a young 17-year-old stepped out from the terminal building at Cork Airport, walked across the tarmac and boarded an Aer Lingus Viscount.

Having just completed his Leaving Certificate examinations the day before, the 17-year-old was enroute to Spain in the company of two bandmates. He and the “Impact’ were travelling to Spain to play an eight-week residency at a US Air Force base outside Madrid.

That 17-year-old, named Rory Gallagher, later went on to become a familiar face at Cork Airport, and the airport became his gateway to international stardom, as he criss-crossed the world showcasing his unique talent and performing for his many adoring fans, often on chartered jets to get him to and from concerts around Europe.

Although he grew to dislike the method of transport in general due to some of those bumpy prop planes, the airport was essential to him in getting home and visiting family whenever he could.

Following his passing, there was a determined effort to rename the airport in Rory's honour. This was led most notably by Belgian photographer, Brigette ‘Bibi’ Lehmann (RIP) who galvanised a petition to the Irish government of over 5,000 signatures.

A lovely video put together by Bibi of her campaign was put together in 2012 here:

Rename Cork Airport after Rory Gallagher

Bibi’s drive and enthusiasm was an inspiration perhaps as in October 2024, Cork Airport contacted the Rory Gallagher estate with their idea to rename the airport road in Rory's honour.

At a ceremony on Saturday the 14th of June 2025 with the Taoiseach, Micheal Martin unveiled the new name of Rory Gallagher Avenue and its road signs.

At the naming ceremony, Dónal Gallagher remarked:

“This is a wonderful tribute to my brother, with the naming of the Cork Airport thoroughfare Rory Gallagher Avenue/Ascaill Ruairí Ó Gallachóir, 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.”

Thank you to Cork Airport