Rory Gallagher's iconic guitar compared to Book of Kells

The importance of Rory Gallagher's iconic guitar to Ireland has been compared to the Book of Kells.

The famous Fender Stratocaster owned by the Ballyshannon musician will be up for auction in London in October, with an estimate of €1.1 million.

There have been numerous calls this week for the guitar to remain in Ireland with the state urged to purchase it.

It has been on display in Ireland at various times however no permanent home had been found for it.

Former Donegal County Councillor and Committee member of the Rory Gallagher Festival Barry Sweeney feels that it's an important artefact to Donegal and the entire country: