A group of Coldplay fans from West Donegal got to the opening concert in Dublin on a ‘wing and a prayer’ after their flight was suddenly cancelled.
Thursday’s Donegal-Dublin lunchtime flight had to be aborted due to technical issues, sparking a wave of panic among those on a deadline to get to Croke Park.
Among the concertgoers were Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, Maria and Jacqueline Doherty.
But the rocky start turned into a rocking concert for the fans whose prayers to a higher power were answered over and over!
“We were on the plane and we were halfway down the runway when the captain aborted the take-off after a few seconds into acceleration,” recalls Fr Ó Fearraigh.
The passengers disembarked, to be told in the terminal that the flight wasn’t going anywhere, nevermind Up&Up.
“There was a bit of panic but the entire staff at Donegal Airport kept us informed, they were incredibly, helpful, professional and kind in every way,” Fr Ó Fearraigh said.
Coach driver Cronan Mac came to the rescue to take all the passengers on a bus organised by Donegal Airport, and so began the adventure of a lifetime to get to the capital on time.
Cronan Mac to the rescue
Safely delivered to Dublin airport, Fr Brian, Maria and Jacqueline then taxied and legged it to Croke Park to get to their seats with just five minutes to spare!
“I was praying and I think a lot of people were praying along with me as well,” says Fr Ó Fearraigh of the journey.
Ironically, the band’s new single We Pray was one of the big hits of the electrifying gig.
“Coldplay blew us out of the park,” says Fr Ó Fearraigh.
“They have an incredible energy about them and they brought that energy to Dublin for all concertgoers to experience.
“It was one of the best concerts I was at, I heard them before in Glasgow a number of years back but there was something different about last night on home turf.”
Photo courtesy of Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh
In all, up to 320,000 people will make their way to Coldplay’s four Irish dates.
Those with tickets to the remaining gigs this weekend and Monday are in for a treat, says Fr Ó Fearraigh.
“It is a feast for the senses, their music is very evocative and they played a beautiful setlist,” he said.
“The atmosphere was electric and exhilarating, not just the music, but the production was spectacular between the lights, fireworks, the wristbands and the balloons.
“It was the most beautiful and inspiring concert.”
Thankfully it was all good feelings for the Donegal fans as their flight took off safely into a sky full of stars on Friday evening!
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