Electric Picnic Live Report: Niall Horan pays tribute to Sinead O'Connor at first Irish show in five years

You'd have know someone special was taking to the main stage of Electric Picnic with the pathway between the Electric Arena, where Wet Leg put down an exceptional show, thronged with people of all ages, all excitedly scurrying along.

With crowds as far as the eye could see, intro music started and was abruptly halted. A message appeared on the screen that technical difficulties would hold the show back for a few moments.

Approximately 10 minutes past the stated start time, the crowd started screaming at the top of their lungs as Niall Horan greeted the main stage, dressed in his The Show outfit - an all yellow ensemble.

Photo: Liam Murphy

Fittingly, the Mullingar man opened his set with 'Nice To Meet Ya', sending an ecstatic crowd into hysterics. 'Heaven' came next - from his newly released album The Show. 'On A Night Like Tonight' followed, marking three tracks before the Irish man stopped to chat to an eagerly watching audience.

"Good evening Electric Picnic," Horan shouted. "Wow... this is absolutely insane. I cannot believe I’m here, this is just absolutely insane. I haven’t played a show in Ireland in 5 years and to be here in the midlands and the be at Electric Picnic playing for all you beautiful people... I can’t put it into words. I’ve never been so nervous for a gig in my life but I know you’ve got my back."

Frankly, it was quite emotional to see how taken aback the former One Direction star felt about the size of the crowd hanging on his every word. The Irish mentality of never believing how good you are, despite selling out stadiums worldwide as a teenager, obviously crept in - as a good bit of Catholic guilt would.

"If you know the words sing it as loud as you can and if you don’t shut the fuck up," the singer joked before adding, "it's good to be home."

Bursting into 'This Town', the singer beamed his way through the track as crowds, literally further than possible to see, sang along to every word, every ooh, and every beat. The titular track from his latest album had crowds in epic spirits, making it easy to see why the midlands man is such a popular artist.

Photo: Niall Horan

In an unexpected turn of events, the singer produced an emotional rendition of 'Nothing Compares 2U' as a tribute to Sinead O'Connor. An awestruck crowd sang along with every word, with the incredibly touching nod to the Irish icon really striking a chord with fans.

Following the half song tribute, Horan launched into the One Direction classic 'Story of my life' which, I have to admit, sent my 10 years ago teenage heart into a flutter. I've never heard a louder crowd reaction to anything in my life than to this track - you could tell people were begging for the rest of the band to come out and reunite, but a solo Niall was more than good enough for me.

'Heartbreak Weather', 'Cross Your Mind', and 'If You Leave Me' followed in quick succession, with a surprising cover of 'Everybody Wants to Rule the World' arriving much to fans amazement.

"If you’re out there and don’t know what to do with your life, follow your dreams - I’m living proof," the artist beamed, before claiming, "it feels like the whole country is here."

Photo: Liam Murphy

Horan announced a tour earlier this year, which of course included a set of Dublin dates and those sold out immediately. Ahead of this show, he announced an additional Dublin show - but in Kilmainham, on August 23.

'Black and White', 'Save My Life', and 'Meltdown' wound the set up - with Horan commenting that he'd heard mad stuff about EP, and to stay safe in the crowd.

The final track from the Mullingar man was his major hit - 'Slow Hands'. "Thank you for making my dreams come true," he said before exiting the stage.

Honestly, for a set with such an oddly rocky start, Horan claimed the crowd back time and time again. The crowd was insanely varied, from young kids, to grandparents, there was no age cap or limit on the fun wrapped around the main arena.

For five years away from a home stage, Mr Horan definitely wasn't holding back.