Garth-mania struck in Mayo this week when hundreds of fans queued for hours - and some even overnight - ahead of tickets going on sale yesterday morning (Thursday ).
The return to Croke Park of country and western superstar Garth Brooks has been billed as one of the most highly anticipated concerts of the decade. So much so, that one local ticket agent even hired security for the scramble for seats at the show.
Diehard fans braved the wind, the rain, and the cold in Castlebar and camped out, some for up to 34 hours, in front Downtown Records on Main Street, Castlebar.
Owner of the music store, Marie Flynn, said she could not believe the frenzy fans were getting into for the July 25, 26, and 27 concert dates.
“It's absolutely crazy,” she said. “I thought it was bad when Mayo get into an All-Ireland final but I’ve never experienced anything like this,” she exclaimed.
“There has been major hype among young and old,” she continued. “For one man with a guitar, it’s amazing to see the following he has.”
Siobhan Cronin travelled from Achill to Castlebar and was smiling widely at 10am when she finally got her hands on six of the coveted tickets.
“I’m a huge fan,” she said. “I’ve seriously thought about going to America to see him. But then we figured he’d have to come back to Ireland eventually. I had to get tickets and I can’t wait.”
