Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

party on garth

Dust off your Stetson hat, Garth Brooks is back in Ireland today

After seven long years, he’s back on Irish shores.

garth-brooks-at-croke-park-stadium-dublin-during-an-announcement-that-he-will-play-at-the-stadium-on-july-25th-and-26th Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

DUST OFF THE Stetson hat you bought back in 2014, because Garth Brooks is in Dublin today.

The country music star is attending a press conference in Croke Park to promote his two Irish concerts which will take place next September.

After months of rumours, it was confirmed last week that the Oklahoma superstar will play Croke Park on 9 and 10 September.

Tickets for the concerts, so far the only European dates he’s set to play next year, will go on sale on Thursday at 8am.

90327355 Garth Brooks is pictured meeting fans at Croke Park in 2014. Mark Stedman Mark Stedman

The last time Brooks appeared at Croke Park, he did not perform but held a similar press conference, and crowds gathered outside to see the him in the flesh.

Sing-songs by fans who had gathered outside were aired that evening on RTÉ News. 

download

In September this year, reports emerged that Brooks’ team were applying for a licence to play at the Dublin stadium. 

Dublin City Council granted approval for five dates at the start of this month.

The Council had initially granted approval for concerts on 9, 10, and 11 September 2022.

It received an application for two more outdoor concerts on 16 and 17 September, which were also granted to promoter Aiken Promotions.

So far the initial two dates are the only ones officially confirmed, but it’s expected more will follow. 

Brooks was at the centre of an infamous summer-long saga in 2014 when his scheduled five-night run in Croke Park wasn’t granted permission to go ahead.

The entire nation was convulsed by the saga that dominated the news for several weeks and saw the intervention of the Taoiseach, and most unusually, the Mexican ambassador. 

The controversy even resulted in a Fianna Fáil TD, now senator, Timmy Dooley attempting to bring in legislation to change the planning laws so that Dublin City Council could give the go-ahead for the five gigs.

TheJournal.ie / YouTube

At the time, Brooks was initially asked to cancel two of the gigs, but not wanting to leave out certain fans, he decided to cancel all five shows following a licensing dispute with local authorities.

Hundreds of thousands of fans were disappointed when they were cancelled.

In the years since then, there have been frequent rumours that Brooks was planning a return. 

News that he is finally coming back to Ireland will be welcome news to the 400,000 ticket-holders that missed out the last time.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
20
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel