Gallagher brothers’ comeback tour brought every type of fan to Dublin over the weekend
One mother-daughter duo from Armagh were particularly happy to be heading into Croker. They were preparing to see Oasis together again after nearly 20 years – although in a much different way this time.
Bernadette Hughes (44) told the Irish Independent: “It was their 2005 tour at the Odyssey in Belfast when I was pregnant with Mollaí, and we’ve waited 19 years to come to Croke Park to see the best band in the world live.”
Ms Hughes, who has been a fan for 25 years, was heartbroken when the band broke up 16 years ago.
“I was devastated. We went and saw them in Slane in 2009 and [after that] my husband said in the end they would always get back together, and they have,” she said.
Mollaí Hughes from Armagh pictured with Kathy Magee, Frances McGoran and mum Bernadette Hughes. Photo: Frank McGrath
The Armagh woman said she would be listening out for her favourites from the reunited brothers – Songbird and Champagne Supernova.
Oasis-mania has spread through the country this week and even drawn the Irish living abroad home.
Inez Waters (46) and her husband Ed (49), who now live in Philadelphia with their two sons Conor (14) and Seán (11), came back to Ireland this weekend specifically for the gig.
Ms Waters, who is from Kildare, has been a fan of Oasis for 30 years and now shares the love of the Gallagher brothers with her sons.
Inez and Ed Waters from Kildare, but now living in Philadelphia, with their sons Conor (14) and Seán (11) pictured before the Oasis concert in Croke Park. Photo: Frank McGrath
“Conor has particularly picked it up. I play it in the car, they play sports, so we are always in the car driving everywhere listening away,” she said.
She and husband Ed saw the band perform at Slane in 2009, but they were beyond excited to see them play Croke Park.
“Slane was a weird one because they weren’t talking then. It was a fantastic location, but this is going to be epic. I’m hoping they play Masterplan,” she said ahead of the gig.
One Mancunian fan milling around Jones Road this evening with his wife has been a supporter from the get-go.
Paul Fletcher (55) saw the brothers perform in Manchester in 1991.
Paul and Anita Fletcher from Kildare with Kim and Brian Shorthall from Lucan before the second Oasis concert in Croke Park. Photo: Frank McGrath
“It was a small venue, probably about 500 people – so when they started off first,” he said.
He followed Noel’s solo career closer than Liam’s in the years after they disbanded.
“It was probably more Noel than Liam,” he said.
“Liam’s all about the front and Noel’s in the back doing music.”
Mr Fletcher said he’d be watching out for one of the band’s slower tunes, Half the World Away.
“It’s not one of their big hits, but it’s definitely one of their best hits,” he said.
Mollaí Hughes from Armagh pictured with Kathy Magee, Frances McGoran and mum Bernadette Hughes. Photo: Frank McGrath
Oasis fans at Croke park hail ‘biblical’ reunion gig in Dublin
Following tonight’s final performance at Croke Park, the brothers will hit Canada, the US, Mexico, and the UK again – for two nights in Wembley Stadium – Australia, Chile and finally Brazil.