Julie Helen: Accessibility at gigs in Cork is changing...for the better 

This summer was the first one that I went to Virgin Media Park in Cork for concerts. I had the pleasure of being at the first in the run, Kingfishr, and the last in the run, the glorious, Amble.

I have frequented many a wheelchair section in my time. I love a good gig; they are my favourite way to spend my social time. These gigs were run by MCD Productions, and I must tip my hat to them. They still run a system where an “essential companion” ticket is half price, so it makes such a difference.

I would never be able to navigate getting to a gig by myself, especially when there is no significant parking at the venue. When I bought my tickets, I had to provide a letter proving my cerebral palsy, and I now have a customer number that will be valid for two years.

For the first time, we were given wristbands, with the wording ‘accessible’ on them. Mick, an absolutely lovely man who was in charge of the accessible area with his fetching pink high vis vest, explained that it was so that I could get back to the section after a dance on the pitch, or it would signal my need for an accessible toilet anywhere in the stadium.

In times gone by, I have always felt a bit trapped in the accessible area, but that is totally changing. There was one accessible portable toilet right in our area, meaning I only had a few feet to move to access the loo.

I felt so comfortable. The wristband meant that my ‘essential companion’ and favourite gig buddy Edel, was able to come and go when getting us food and drink without having to plead her case.

Practically, the area around the outside of the stadium definitely requires someone to help me. The footpaths just end with no dishing, and we walked from the Black Ash Park & Ride. It all went very smoothly on both occasions.

Kingfishr told us how amazing it was to be headlining in a venue where they played support just a few years ago. It was great to see so many kids turn out to hear Killeagh, it was definitely a highlight. They have many other hits too. They did a lot of moving on stage and went into the crowd and onto the shoulders of lucky lads in the audience. I plan to see them in a more intimate gig if I get the chance.

When they travel the world, I am glad to have seen them at home.

Amble enchanted me. We saw them in the Marquee last year, and with a 20,000 strong crowd this time, I lost track of the times goosebumps sparked across my skin. It was magical, and they have such a repertoire now that they had to leave out some favourites.

They had a new band of musicians with them, and I could really feel the development in their craft. The transitions were slick, the jamming was electrifying, and they looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Sean McKeown was on uileann pipes, and they were absolutely haunting. That, coupled with Maria Ryan on the fabulous fiddle with the banjos and guitars, made me feel Irish music is in safe hands when that is what they are showcasing around the world.

I recorded the rendition of The Swell, released on the day of the gig, and Last Rites, which is yet to be released, because in 20 years’ time, I will delight in telling people I was there when Amble first played it live in Cork.