Hopes dashed as U2 say no to Cork 2005 gig

U2 last night said it will not perform as part of Cork’s European Capital of Culture - dashing hopes the super-group would be one of the highlights of the year-long celebrations.

There had been widespread speculation the group would play as Cork 2005 director John Kennedy is closely associated with the band, having acted as its production manager and tour director for a number of years.

Mr Kennedy told the Irish Examiner he had made a bid for the band to come to Cork.