Brooks’ decision to pull plug costs €50m

As Garth Brooks’ record run at Croke Park went from five nights, to three, to none, to fiasco, the hospitality industry has been left reeling with losses estimated at €50m and Ireland’s reputation in ruins.

The country superstar blamed the controversy and confusion for pulling the plug, the concert promoters blamed Dublin City Council, Dublin City manager blamed the planning process, and the GAA and Government said ‘don’t blame us’, as 400,000 fans were left angry, frustrated and demanding answers.

Ticketmaster, the selling agent, said it was working on ways refunds would be made and would outline plans. “However the scale of this operation is unprecedented in the Irish entertainment industry and therefore we would ask customers to be patient while we finalise our plan,” a spokesperson said.