Slane to rock despite rain

The portaloos are in place, the wellies have been rooted out, and Penney’s has been all but cleared out of flowery headbands.

This year’s Slane concert is set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory thanks to high-profile headliners the Foo Fighters — although typically Irish weather threatens to make the day a total washout.

Tens of thousands of concert-goers are being advised to leave the sunnies at home in favour of ponchos and waterproofs.

Sun is shining @slanecastle ...Weather is Good , Stage getting finishing touches #Slane2015 pic.twitter.com/98BLE0JR4K

— Hector 🇮🇪 (@hectorirl) May 29, 2015

While today’s temperatures are set to be the highest of the weekend at around 14C or 15C, heavy rain is forecast for many parts of the country, including Meath. The heaviest showers are set to occur between 9pm and 12am.

But whatever the weather, the concert is set to be an emotional one, especially for Slane Castle owner Henry Mountcharles who said he didn’t think he would be alive to see another concert at his ancestral home after his lengthy battle with lung cancer.

“This is a special gig for me, personally. I am more than happy to be here today because there was a time last year when I wasn’t sure if that was going to happen, so if I am a little more emotional then please forgive me,” he said.

Dublin Bound! Birthday Celebrations Irish style 🍀 #slane2015

— Laura Whitmore ⚡️ (@thewhitmore) May 29, 2015

Meanwhile, gardaí are rolling out a massive operation in Meath this weekend to ensure the safety of Slane attendees.

“The full operation won’t start until this morning from 7am. From then on, we will have checkpoints on all approach roads,” said Navan Garda Superintendent Michael Devine.

“From 10am there will be no access to Slane village to anybody except residents and, even then, that will only be in exceptional circumstances.”

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