Rory picks out Star's Niall from the crowd

SOUTHERN Star assistant editor Niall O’Driscoll was one of those who featured on the first episode of RTE’s National Treasures programme. 

Made in conjunction with the National Museum of Ireland, the programme documents cultural memorabilia from the past 100 years, as submitted by members of the public. 

All submissions are recorded and stored in a digital archive.

Niall submitted a guitar pick used by Rory Gallagher at what turned out to be the guitarist’s last ever Irish gig. 

‘It was used by Rory in Cork RTC (now CIT) in November, 1993.’ Niall explained. 

‘I was at the front, and during the encore Rory crossed the stage shaking hands with fans. I could see he had the pick in his other hand – I pointed to it and he thrust it into my palm. 

‘It was a fabulous souvenir for any fan, especially directly from the man himself, and even more so for a novice guitar player like myself. That it turned out to be his last ever gig on home soil makes it even more special and poignant.’

For more on the show, and the plans for the items received, see www.nationaltreasures.ie