The family of the late Rory Gallagher have welcomed the donation of his Fender Stratocaster to the State.
At an auction in London this evening, the electric guitar was sold for a final price of €1,068,956.
It was purchased by Live Nation Gaiety Ltd and is to be donated to the National Museum of Ireland.
Rory's brother Dónal said that he was delighted with the arrangement.
"I'm lost for words to be honest. When I got the news that Live Nation had not only bought it but had donated it to the State, it's cherries on top, more than one. I'll sleep tonight!"
Dónal Gallagher said that it was now the "start of a new era for Rory", as the guitar goes on public display.
He thanked efforts by the Irish Government to secure the arrangement.
Read more: Who was Rory Gallagher?
Mr Gallagher said that he believes other parts of Rory's collection may also be put on display.
"That would be superb," he said.
The Gallagher family said that proceeds from today's auction at Bonhams in London will go towards projects to further Rory's legacy and other good causes.
Rory Gallagher was born in Ballyshannon in Co Donegal. His family moved to Derry before settling in Cork when he was eight years old.
He died in London in 1995 at the age of 47, leaving behind the significant collection of guitars and music equipment.
