Páirc Uí Chaoimh concerts - Perfect setting for Sheeran

Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork has witnessed many spectacular moments in its long history. It is first and foremost home to the GAA in the city and where our hurlers and footballers have sported and played for decades.

In its early days as the Cork Athletic Grounds, it hosted not just county and Munster clashes but also All-Ireland finals and also some unusual activities. It was also the setting for the first aeroplane flight from the city in 1912.

In more recent years the stadium has seen dozens of musical events featuring international stars, including Michael Jackson, Prince, Bruce Springsteen and U2.

The newly developed stadium looked resplendent over the weekend as 140,000 fans sang, swayed and delighted in a series of three concerts by English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran.

Each night, as the sun faded, the stadium lit up as Sheeran fans turned on the torches on their mobile phones.

He wowed the crowds with each of his performances and they, in turn, wowed him with their good humour, excellent behaviour and willingness to join in the entertainment, many of them singing along with him.

None of that success would have been possible without the support and hard work of the GAA, the organisers, city officials, traffic management and the gardaí. Well played all round or, as Ed himself might put it, it “Perfect”.