Originally planned for Slane Castle, the show will now take place in Croke Park on Saturday October 6, with tickets priced between €66.50 and €126.50 on sale at 8am on Friday April 20.
With their UK dates selling-out instantly and promoters MCD contracted on the basis of running three gigs a year at the 80,000-capacity stadium, there’s the possibility of a second Dublin date being added if necessary.
The late date means that, as in the UK, the promoters are taking a risk with the weather, but September is a no-go at Croke Park on account of the All-Ireland hurling and football finals and possible replays.
The decision to slot a major concert in on October 6 may surprise some GAA members and fans, who recall the fact that three replays were required to decide the 1991 Leinster Final between Dublin and Meath. Two replays were required to separate Kildare and Meath in 1997.
The FAI, meanwhile, will be hoping that the hallowed turf – the condition of which was heavily criticised after the recent Wales match – doesn’t take too much punishment as Ireland host first Germany and then Cyprus in Euro 2008 qualifiers on October 13 and 17.