Oasis 1996: When the Gallagher brothers came to Cork

With a reunion announced, many fans in Ireland have been recalling their concerts in Páirc Uí Chaoimh almost 30 years ago. Ed Power, a young reporter working in Cork at the time, recalls those heady days

Oasis in Cork in 1996. Pictures: Irish Examiner

On a glorious morning in late summer, Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit stepped onto the tarmac at Cork Airport and set off for the Aer Lingus jet tarrying at the edge of the runway. 

Kensit proceeded with the practiced, unblinking stride of someone who had spent much of her adult life fleeing press photographers. Liam, by contrast, wore a big, ragged grin and walked with a cheery swagger, a rather scruffy-looking backpack swinging from one shoulder.