U2 guitarist The Edge celebrates 'monumental day' as he becomes Irish citizen
U2 guitarist The Edge celebrates 'monumental day' as he becomes Irish citizen
The Edge was born in England but moved to Ireland when he was just one year old. He has now been granted Irish citizenship in a ceremony in Killarney, Co Kerry
U2's Bono and The Edge (left) performs on stage at the U2
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images )
U2 legend The Edge celebrated a "monumental day" as he officially became an Irish citizen.
Born David Howell Evans, 63, in Essex to Welsh parents, The Edge was raised in Ireland from the tender age of one.
His journey to citizenship culminated in a ceremony on Monday in Killarney, Co Kerry.
This week sees some 7,500 individuals embracing Irish citizenship across both Monday and Tuesday.
The iconic guitarist described the ceremony as an "amazingly joyful event".
With his trademark hat and an Irish flag badge adorning his jacket lapel, he shared with RTE: "For all of us, a monumental day,".
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The famed U2 member expressed his pride in finally formalising his Irish roots saying, "I'm a little tardy on the paperwork – I've been living in Ireland since I was one but the time was right and I couldn't be more proud of my country for all that it represents and all it's doing."
He then touched upon Ireland's global impact adding, "It's showing real leadership right now in the world and this couldn't have come at a better moment for me."
Since U2's inception in Dublin during the late 70s, The Edge has contributed to the band's storied success, amassing numerous music accolades.
Beyond their musical achievements, U2 is recognised for their politically charged anthems like 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', reflecting the tragedy of unarmed civilians shot in Londonderry in 1972 by British soldiers, 'New Year's Day' inspired by the Polish Solidarity movement, and 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)', honouring Martin Luther King Jr.
Their commitment extended to advocating for peace in Northern Ireland, notably supporting the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Last month, during the Ivors award ceremony, the band delivered a stirring rendition of Sunday Bloody Sunday, intertwining their music with a powerful plea to "stop war".
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This poignant moment coincided with the group's historic recognition as they were honoured as the first Irish songwriters to receive an academy fellowship, marking the 70th anniversary of the prestigious awards at London's Grosvenor House.
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