Forget Limerick – Tipperary is leading the way for the most dedicated Garth Brooks fans as a committed duo have been queuing on the street in the freezing cold since 7pm on Monday ahead of the sale of tickets in two days' time.
Cousins Shauna (21) and Debbie Ahearne (26), from Kilsheelan, grabbed fold-out chairs and their jackets and travelled about 50km to sit in front of Thurles Shopping Centre, where the Easons store has a Ticketmaster outlet. The store sold more than 700 tickets on the first day Garth Brooks tickets were released last week.
Ms Ahearne said they could not take the chance of missing out on the tickets for the fourth concert in Croke Park that go on sale 9am on Thursday.
She said the first 18 hours had been tough.
“Last night was absolutely freezing. It was so cold we couldn’t close our eyes or sleep at all. And it was a bit scary at times,” she said. “ I’m a bit worried I’ll end up falling asleep Thursday morning and miss everything.”
Ms Ahearne said they had three laptops and four mobiles – between four of them – trying to get tickets for the three concerts last week, and were heartbroken they missed out.
“This time we’re not taking any chances,” she said. “It’s really for my aunty we’re doing it, she’s the biggest Garth Brooks fan ever.”
“We’re afraid we’d miss out, we’re off work so we thought we’d get down early and be first so we’re guaranteed.”
Ms Ahearne said they did not realise Atlantic storms and heavy rain were hitting the country later today. The two have sleeping bags and two small blankets but no umbrellas.
“We’ve our jackets and that’s about it,” she said. “But we will stick it out no matter what.This is our last chance to get tickets.”
Ms Ahearne said they did not have any entertainment to keep them busy while they waited. “Hopefully we won’t get sick of looking at each other.”
All 240,000 tickets for his scheduled three shows at Croke Park sold out last week within 90 minutes.
Ticketmaster Ireland managing director Keith English said there was special focus on their outlets in Limerick this time to sure that fans, who missed out the last time after queuing for 48 hours last week, will be properly looked after.
“We will again be doubling the staff in our call centre to answer the phones and all Ticketmaster outlets around the country will be geared up and ready to go again. There will be security at outlets.”
The country legend Brooks will play on Friday, July 25th, Saturday (26th), Sunday (27th), and now Monday (28th).
No artist has played four successive concerts in Croke Park.
Tickets are priced from €65.45.
