An eclectic mix of young and old, locals and visitors, made their way to Páirc Uí Chaoimh last night for the first of three Ed Sheeran gigs taking place in the redeveloped stadium.

Among the crowds were UK diplomats Joanna Hilton and Matt Baker. Joanna and Matt, who live in Switzerland who had flown to Cork to attend the concert.

“We are big fans,” Joanna said. This is the first time Joanna saw Ed Sheeran play live, but for Matt, it was his third time.

“I love his songwriting ability,” Joanna said. “He seems to be a very genuine guy,” Matt added, “ Money doesn’t seem to phase him at all.” 

Annette O’Donoghue brought her two daughters Simone and Sophie to the concert and said it was just fabulous.

“It was wonderful, so well organised and family friendly. I’m delighted with the night.” 

Pamela Nagle was at the gig with her two young children Lexie, nine, and Ruby, seven. For Lexie and Ruby, it was their first concert.

“It was outstanding,” Pamela said, “Unreal.” 

John Madden and Oisin Heffernan from West Cork agreed the gig had been “amazing.” The Coffey family from Tipperary called the event “phenomenal.” 

Husband and wife Sean and Pam, brought their children Billy, Molly and Sadhbh to see Ed and all agreed it had been a brilliant night.

“The best part was the way he recorded his backing tracks on the loop pedal,” Sadhbh said.

“And the worst was when he came out in a Cork jersey!” Sean quipped.

Also attending the concert were the Foolkes sisters. Claire, Geraldine, Eileen and Kathleen have been huge fans of Ed Sheeran from day one.

“We all love his music,” Kathleen said. “Clare is after travelling all the way from the Isle of Man to be here!” 

Another superfan who got to see Ed perform last night was Jamie Roche, who was at the gig with his girlfriend Clodagh O’Mahony and his friend Dean O’Keeffe.

According to Clodagh, Jamie has been waiting five years to see Ed Sheeran play live after losing out on a ticket to Ed’s Croke Park gig in 2013 due to Dean.

“Dean bought two tickets but decided to bring his girlfriend instead of Jamie. Then Dean and his girlfriend broke up and she kept the ticket.” 

“I couldn’t ask for it back,” Dean said, “I just couldn’t.” 

Six young girls from West Cork also made their way to Cork City to see Ed play for the first time. Ava Mulhall, Serena Clarke, Dara Casey, Ciara Geary, Asha Scroope and Laura Kearney all aged 15, said they were very excited to see Ed Sheeran in concert.

“We are big fans. This is our first time seeing him, except for Asha, she went to see him in Croke Park in 2013, her dad really likes him too.” 

Aoife Broderick, who is studying to be a doctor at UCC also went to see Ed Sheeran perform. Aoife went to the concert with her boyfriend Conor Moloney, from Killarney.

After the gig, there was widespread praise for the ginger-haired popstar, with everyone delighted with the performance given.