Richard Hogan: Taylor Swift allows her fans to feel connected to her in a way I haven't seen before

"Swift’s fans... feel empowered by her and her message. Their love for each other is another part of the phenomenon. Her fans are a community"

Lizzy Hogan, aged 10, at the Taylor Swift concert

The summer of 1988 was a glorious time, worthy of a Brian Adams tune. Not only had Ray Houghton stuck the ball in the English net, sending the country into delirium, but the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, touched down on Cork soil. 

My idol was in my hometown, moon walking and hee-heeing his way into the balmy Cork evening.