Gardaí hail U2 security plan success

Gardaí today declared the massive security plan to cope with almost 80,000 fans flocking to the first U2 hometown concert as a total success.

A garda spokeswoman confirmed four minor arrests in relation to public order offences were made in Dublin during the course of last night.

“It was a total success, that was minor in the scheme of things,” she said.

The ‘Hello, hello’ chorus of Vertigo reverberated around Croke Park stadium, as Bono took to the stage last night for the first of three sell-out shows in the famed band’s hometown.

The 80,000 strong crowd went wild as the four men of rock took to the stage. However, a garda on duty at the stadium last night said there were no arrests during the music event and the crowd was as well behaved as any seen.

Fans had travelled from across Dublin, Ireland and the world for the first of U2’s homecoming concerts.

By the time the gates opened at 4pm yesterday evening for the first of three sell-out gigs, a handful of fans had already braved a rainy night camping out to ensure they got the best spots for the show.

Tickets for the three gigs have been going for as much as €500 on the internet after they sold out within hours of being released.

Over 250,000 music fans are expected to spend over €50m in the capital city over the course of the weekend.

Dublin has been gearing up for the concerts for months, with hotels booked out across the city for the weekend and roads closed around the stadium.

Vincent Wall, of the Dublin Airport Authority, said: “The U2 concerts have created a great buzz around the Airport with fans coming through from many European countries carrying their flas and banners.”

He added: “We reckon a couple of thousand additional passengers are coming through for the concerts and that’s a welcome boost.”