Panti Bliss and Imelda May Join U2 On Stage in Dublin's 3Arena

Gay marriage rights campaigner Panti Bliss joined U2 on stage at the 3Arena on Saturday night, to rapturous applause from fans of the band. The self-styled Queen of Ireland was welcomed to the stage by Bono, to the strains of 'Mysterious Ways’ and danced with the lead singer, who ended the song by going down on his knees and kissing Panti's hand.

It was just one highlight in what was a euphoric final Dublin gig for the iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE tour. Panti (who's alter ego Rory O’Neill was awarded an honorary degree from Trinity College this week) was joined by Dublin’s own Imelda May onstage, before the band launched into their 1998 hit song 'Desire', from the Rattle and Hum album, with May blowing up a storm, sharing vocals with Bono. There was also a reverential name-check for Aslan’s Chrsty Dignam. "What an incredible voice," Bono said of the North side’s other favourite son.

"Matt Damon just told me I was incredible," tweeted Panti afterwards. "I resisted lobbing the gob."

Damon was not the only star in attendance. Noel Gallagher was there too, accompanied by his wife and kids.

U2 are due play two rescheduled concerts at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris on December 6th and 7th and there was a moving moment in tonight's gig, when Bono proclaimed his love for France and reminded us all of the founding principles: "Liberty, equality and fraternity."

Loads of famous faces made an appearance at the 3Arena this week, with the President Michael D. Higgins, Kodaline, Matt Damon, Colin Farrell, Amy Huberman, Brian O'Driscoll and Enda Kenny all stopping by to see Bono and the lads on their home turf.