U2 guitarist The Edge hails ‘monumental day' as he becomes Irish citizen
U2 veteran The Edge has described a 'monumental day' after becoming an Irish citizen.
David Howell Evans, 63, was born in Essex in England to Welsh parents, but his family moved to Ireland when he was just a one-year-old.
His Irish citizenship was conferred at a ceremony in Killarney, Co Kerry on Monday.
Some 7,500 people will officially become Irish citizens across Monday and Tuesday.
He described an 'amazingly joyful event'.
'For all of us, a monumental day,' he told RTE, wearing the distinctive hat he is known for, as well as an Irish flag badge on the lapel of his jacket.
'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.
'It's showing real leadership right now in the world and this couldn't have come at a better moment for me.'
The Edge, a guitarist in U2, has been involved with the band since its formation in Dublin in the late 1970s, going on to win scores of music awards.
U2 is also noted for speaking out with songs such as Sunday Bloody Sunday about the shooting of unarmed protesters in Derry in 1972 by British soldiers, New Year's Day which became associated with the Polish Solidarity movement and Pride (In The Name Of Love) in tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
They also strongly supported efforts to secure peace in Northern Ireland with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
The band played Sunday Bloody Sunday last month with a call to 'stop war' at the Ivors award ceremony.
The performance came as the group became the first Irish songwriters to be awarded an academy fellowship at the 70th year of the awards ceremony, hosted at London's Grosvenor House.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: Kaleidoscope is a festival of family fun
Tickets to Ireland's largest summer family festival are still available. Kaleidoscope, which takes place at Wicklow's Russborough House from July 4 to 6, promises a star-studded lineup of young Irish talent alongside international music headliners. It features seven-year-old social-media sensation Jacob Robinson, 11-year-old DJ Seán M, and 15-year-old Toy Show alumnus DJ Calum Kiernan. The young stars will share the stage with British rock bands Texas and Ocean Colour Scene, as well as Irish musical acts The Coronas and Hermitage Green. Ten areas and stages are dedicated to families, featuring live science shows with Mark the Science Guy, opportunities to get up close and personal with wildlife at Ireland's National Reptile Zoo, arts and crafts with the National Gallery of Ireland, cookery demonstrations and workshops at the Scrumdiddlyumptious Festival of Food, sports and wellness events, circus acts, storytelling, and more. Tickets cost from €39.40 Mystery trail Children who fancy themselves as amateur detectives are invited to solve a series of clues along the Cork Playful Culture Trail this summer. For the fifth year in a row, the trail will offer families an opportunity to explore the city's cultural attractions by following a map, completing 20 interactive activities, and collecting stamps at each stop along the way. The trail runs from June through September and features sites including the Blackrock Castle Observatory, the Butter Museum, Cork City Gaol, Elizabeth Fort, the Glucksman Gallery, Shandon Bells, and more. Visit to download the trail map and the list of activities to do at each attraction. Horse Show Surprise by Nina Carberry A reading hurdle The latest book in Nina Carberry's Rowan Tree Stables series is written for children aged six to nine who have recently learned to read independently. Horse Show Surprise tells the story of Grace and her best friend, Aaron, both of whom love helping out at Rowan Tree Stables, where their ponies are best friends, too. In this fourth instalment, the pair are working hard to qualify to ride at the Dublin Horse Show. But then Aaron falls ill, and Grace suddenly finds herself contemplating the possibility of attending the biggest horse-riding event of the year without her best friend by her side. A crisis at the stable on the morning of the show throws all plans up in the air. Horse Show Surprise (Gill Books) costs €14 Jiminy's bracelet-making kit Bracelet-making kit This rainbow and flower bracelet-making kit from the Irish eco-toy store is an ideal rainy-day activity. It contains enough wooden flowers, rainbow and geometric beads, plus elastics to make 10 bracelets. It's suitable for children aged three and up and costs €25. Mental-health tool Youth mental health organisation Spunout has launched a new digital tool to help young people access mental health support. Navigator was designed in collaboration with the Department of Health and the HSE to make it easier for young people aged 14 to 34 across Ireland to access the help they need. Almost 900 people completed a survey for the project to inform its development, while a committee of 15 provided feedback throughout each stage of the development process. The end result is a simple tool that asks young people three easy questions and then provides a personalised and localised response. This could include curated mental health information and videos; recommendations for expert-approved podcasts, books and mobile apps; or signposting to local and national mental health services.
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
British rock star dead: Legendary 70s guitarist and Bad Company co-founder Mick Ralphs dies aged 81
BRITISH rock legend Mick Ralphs, who co-founded the band Bad Company, has died aged 81. A message on the band's official website on Monday said Ralphs is "survived by the love of his life, Susie Chavasse, his two children, three step-children", as well as his bandmates Paul Rodgers and Simon Kirke. 3 Rock legend Mick Ralphs has died at the age of 81 Credit: Redferns 3 Ralphs (right) performed in Bad Company - the band he co-founded - for many decades alongside singer Paul Rodgers (left) Credit: AP Bad Company formed in 1973 after members from bands Free, Mott The Hoople, and King Crimson all joined forces. In an emotional statement, singer Rodgers said: "Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground. He has left us with exceptional songs and memories. "He was my friend, my songwriting partner, an amazing and versatile guitarist who had the greatest sense of humour. "Our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won't be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter. "Condolences to everyone who loved him especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven." Drummer Kirke added: "He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply." Ralphs performed for the final time with Bad Company in October 2016, with the singer-songwriter suffering a stroke the following month. The stroke had left him bedridden ever since, the band confirmed, although they said they had no further details on the circumstances of Ralphs' death. Most read in Music More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at 3 Ralphs (right) had co-founded the supergroup Bad Company in 1973 Credit: PA
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘A little update' – Sharlene Mawdsley reveals major ‘last minute decision' as she confirms return following dad's death
SHARLENE MAWDSLEY has confirmed her return for Ireland after taking time away following her dad's death. in Philadelphia at the start of June. Advertisement 2 Sharlene Mawdsley confirmed her involvement in the European Athletics Team Championships Credit: Nikola Krstic/Sportsfile 2 It marks her return following her dad's death Her dad Thomas star taking time to mourn before returning to training. And on Monday, the Slovenia this weekend. She said: "Happy Olympic day. "A last minute decision but I'll be stepping into the Irish kit again this weekend for the European team championships." Advertisement Read More on Sharlene Mawdsley Mawdsley has been confirmed for the 4x400m mixed relay, with Cillin Greene, Ciaran Carthy, Sophie Becker, and Callum Baird completing the Irish line-up. And fans on One said: "Delighted to see this, give the heavens something to smile about" while a second said: "Ur father be proud" A third hailed: "Great to see you back training. It's been a very tough few weeks" Advertisement Most read in Athletics Mawdsley has become one of Ireland's brightest sports stars in recent years. Sharlene Mawdsley shows off makeup before Zagreb race She The Newport AC export followed that with a promising performance at the Paris Olympics that saw her Advertisement During her dad's funeral, Sharlene credited her ability to achieve her dreams on the track to her dad's unwavering support and belief in his daughter. She said: "He made me trust that my dreams were never too big and, for that, some of my dreams have already come true. "The best part is I got to share them with you, Dad." BACK IN ACTION Mawdsley has had plenty of help getting into racing shape from her GAA star boyfriend Michael Breen. Advertisement Breen, who is a senior hurler with Tipperary, joked he was University of Limerick has been her training base in recent weeks, with The 400m specialist was in decent form coming out of Philadelphia, In addition to that showing on the Sunday at the big-money Grand Slam Track event, she also came sixth in the long sprints category 24 hours previous. Advertisement For that performance, she banked $15,000 with Olympic 400m gold medallist Marileidy Paulino coming out on top. Mawdsley wound up in fifth place. Once again, she clocked a season's-best time in that race at 51.12.
