Episode 2: Garth Brooks – Subject to Licence
Ireland 2014 had just about survived the crash but things were still tough and for many of the 400,000 people who bought tickets for Garth Brooks’ comeback country music concerts in Croke Park, this represented a chink of light and hope. Brooks had not played in Ireland since 1997 and the announcement of initially 2 concerts seemed to release an almost insatiable pent-up demand. Two concerts gave way to three and then to four and finally to five concerts in a row – all to be staged in Croke Park – all “subject to licence” in a stadium that only had planning permission for 3 special events annually and these 3 events had already been accounted for. The stage was set for a full blown Country and Western Garth Brooks Concert Scandal.
“Bhí an scéal ar nós Sobal-Dráma, bhí na heilemintí go léir ann!” – Fiona Looney
(It had all the elements of a soap opera!)
There was an incredible cast of characters from high up and low down including a few surprising ones… like US President Barack Obama and His Excellency Carlos García de Alba, the Ambassador of Mexico !
“Bhí sé cosúil le bheith ag léamh faoi Brexit, mar bhí an scéal ag athrú beagnach chuile dara lá.” Bernie Ní Fhlatharta – Iriseoir
(It was like Brexit …every second day there was another twist to the story! )
So many twists and turns that not only did it dominate the headlines and the talk shows for almost 6 months, it inspired Fiona Looney to write a play about it !
“Fuair me glaoch ó mo dheartháir agus bhí sé amach is amach ar buille… agus i ndairíre ní raibh suim ar bith aige i nGarth Brooks.. thuig mé ansin, gur scéal ait, annamh, iontach a bhí ann.”
Fiona Looney
“Garth Brooks – Subject to Licence” was storm in a teacup for some and a whirlwind for others, which caught the nation unawares, but like the some of the best country music ballads it didn’t end well.
“….I mean duine ar bith ar cheannaigh teach gar do Pháirc an Chrócaigh agus ansin atá ag sciolladh go bhfuil ….na sluaite ag teacht… you know get a life ! Mhill sibh rud iontach orainn.”
Máire Treasa Ní Cheallaigh, Iriseoir
(Anyone who bought a house close to Croke Park and then is giving out about the crowds – get a life ! you’ve ruined something marvellous on us. )
Láithreoir / Tuairisceoir : Padraig O’Driscoll
Léiritheoir Feidhmiúcháin & Stiúrthóir : Kevin Cummins