As we approach the weekend Slane will be the epicentre for music fans, headlined this year with American country music singer Luke Combs. The north Carolina star made it big in 2014 when releasing The Way She Rides and that set him on the road to stardom and now Slane Castle!
Since the early days of the concert idea concepted by the late Henry Mountcharles back in summer of 1981, few would have imagined the success Slane would become. Thin Lizzy was the main act that year with a band emerging called U2 , who would later mainline 20 years later.
There has been 25 concerts before this weekend, everyone will have their favourites and that’s the beauty of live concerts, they all bring something different to the show!
In between there were great artists who came and made the place rock, some will say The Rolling Stones probably put the Slane Castle on map in 1982 but there were other great performers who put their stamp on Slane.
Many have enjoyed the concerts with their own memories back in 1985 Bruce Springsteen blew the crowd away with his performance backed by his E Street Band. These performances left lasting memories for many who attended and indeed after the riots in the village the previous year with Bob Dylan Concert aftermath, it set the record straight and by and large all has went well on that front.
Security and set up for this weekend are well advanced. A walk around the village will show the place is gearing up with fencing all up on the roads approaching the village from all routes.
Garda are confident they will work with all stakeholders to ensure safety of all and Martina Noonan, Superintendent for the area has thanked residents for their support, given this will be a first back to back concert in Slane over the Saturday and Sunday. There were local concerns in the issue of the licence but thanks to working together with all stakeholders including MCD, councillors, Meath County Council, Slane Castle a decent package was put in place to look after the community groups, clubs and organisations around the village. An agreed fund of over €60,000 will see benefits in the community.
This concert too will be a first for Alex Conyngham as he takes over the reigns from his late dad Henry. He will feel the pressures that are bestowed on theses concerts but will feel up to the task given the challenges he saw that Henry had taken in the past. He also acknowledges the support of the community and is proud to continue the legacy.
There is a lot to happen between now and the weekend, all the local community have also been updated with an Essential Community Guide, outlining all that is needed to ensure safety and good management. Tickets are been provided to those residents ”most impacted” for the sell out concert.
