Pictures and memories: 40 years since U2 surprised Cork with a gig at the Lee Fields

The crowd at the 1985 Lark By The Lee in Cork had gone along to see four local acts. Those who stayed to the end were treated to an unannounced appearance by U2 

Freddie White, right, joins U2 on stage at the Lee Fields in Cork during the Lark By The Lee in August, 1985. Picture: Eddie O’Hare, Irish Examiner Archive

It’s forty years since Freddie White walked up to a microphone on a flatbed truck that was facing into the Lee Fields and announced, “There’s an up-and-coming band coming on the stage now and playing for you, they’re called…” The Cobh singer-songwriter paused for a split second and shouted, “U2!”.

Hysteria broke out on the banks of the Lee.