Latest news with #AlexConyngham
Extra.ie
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
The favourites to headline as Slane Castle concerts set to return
Concerts at Slane Castle are expected to come back in 2026, on the 45th anniversary of its first ever gig. For over four decades, bands, singers and rappers have headed to the Meath castle to play one of the most iconic venues in the country, and dare we say the world, with over 80,000 revellers usually heading to the field. With Harry Styles being the last person to headline Slane in 2023, fans have been clamouring for the gigs to return — with the new lord of the castle, Alex Conyngham, confirming that he plans to bring the gigs back next year. U2 are the favourites to headline Slane next year. Pic: Han Myung-Gu/WireImage According to Ladbrokes, U2 are the hot favourites to headline Slane next year, with the odds of them performing at the Meath castle being 2/1. Bono and co last performed at Slane in 2001 as part of their Elevation tour, and haven't played in their home country since 2018 when they played the 3Arena, as part of their Experience and Innocence Tour. While most would think that, ahead of their huge Croke Park gig and after the reunion that most thought would never happen, Oasis would be a lock to play Slane — having last done so in 2009 — the brothers Gallagher are actually second favourites, with the odds of them performing at Slane for the first time in 17 years at 4/1. While the brothers Gallagher are on their insane reunion tour — which reaches Dublin next week — some believe that the band will return next year, with fingers being firmly crossed that they'll come to Slane. Pic:The lads were joined by their family members for the gig, tracing back their Irish roots as Peggy was born in Co Mayo, with Liam calling the gig 'f**king biblical' before they split two months later. Following their mammoth reunion tour, which will finally come to Dublin on August 16 and 17, fans believe that Oasis will kick off a new tour next year (including an anticipated 30-year anniversary gig in Knebworth), but Some Might Say that Slane is also on the cards. As for who else are dark horses to entertain the masses in Meath, Coldplay are coming up behind Oasis with odds of 5/1 (just don't bring the mistress), while Dublin's own Fontaines DC could take on their biggest gig ever as their careers go from strength to strength; coming in at 6/1 to headline the festival. Coldplay and Fontaines DC (pictured) are also rumoured to potentially take over Slane next summer — the latter of whom just headlined All Together Now in Waterford. Pic: Matt Crossick/Empics 'U2 are favourites to land in Meath once again and celebrate 25 years since their last appearance at the iconic venue,' Ladbrokes spokesperson Cal Gildart said. 'It's been a long while since they played in Ireland and this would be a beautiful way to return.' Following the death of Lord Henry Mount Charles earlier this year, his son Alex Conyngham confirmed that they're looking to bring the festival back for 2026; but kept mum on who could be Meath bound. 'My plan is to stage a 2026 gig in Slane, and the only thing I'm willing to confirm at this stage is our desire to do so,' Mr Conyngham said. 'We want to bring the shows back, we miss them, but it is not just about the revenue but keeping the name of Slane as a rock venue on the map.' WHO COULD HEADLINE SLANE NEXT YEAR: U2 – 2/1 Oasis – 4/1 Coldplay – 5/1 Fontaines DC – 6/1
Irish Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Slane Castle set to stage major concert next summer
Slane Castle will be back in the rock and roll business next summer. Alex Conyngham, the new lord of the manor, is planning to continue where his late father Henry left off and bring the live concerts back to the Co Meath outdoor venue. He confirmed he is already working on a massive gig for next summer and talking to a number of promoters and acts. Many fans would like to see Oasis, who play Croke Park in a fortnight, topping the Slane bill, especially since they have strong family ties to Drogheda and Duleek, Co Meath. But Alex is keeping his cards close to his chest and will not reveal which act he is going after. He said: 'My plan is to stage a 2026 gig in Slane and the only thing I can confirm at this stage is our desire to do so. Alex, The Marquess Conyngham pictured at Slane Castle (Image: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland) 'We want to bring the shows back, we miss them, but it is not just about the revenue but keeping the name of Slane as a rock venue on the map. 'It is what Slane Castle is known for and I don't want that legacy to fade away. This is one of the world's great rock and roll venues with the most natural setting. We are working on plans and hopefully we can pull something off for next year.' Next year is the 45th anniversary of the first Slane gig – Thin Lizzy in 1981. Lord Henry Mount Charles, who died last month after a 14-year battle with cancer, booked acts such as The Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Bob Dylan, Queen and David Bowie. Alex added: 'Slane is a place where the world's best acts all want to play.' Meanwhile, Slane Castle will host a new art programme called Caim, named after the Celtic word for sanctuary, from September 11 to 30. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Powys County Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Family of Lord Henry Mount Charles say to ‘party on in his memory'
The loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane on Wednesday, following his death at the age of 74 last week after a long battle with cancer. During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of her guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Lord Henry's friend Nick Koumarianos. Mr Koumarianos said he knew Lord Henry as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Henry's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. in a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Mr Koumarianos said Lord Henry was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Lord Henry was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Tearful scenes as Slane icon Lord Henry's kids follow coffin with ‘party on in memory' tribute & U2 star joins mourners
GRIEVING loved ones of Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles have vowed to 'party on in his memory', his funeral service heard. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Advertisement 6 Lord Henry believed music could unite people which inspired him to host concerts Credit: Getty - Pool 6 The funeral was held in St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Co Meath Credit: PA 6 Tearful tributes were given by the gig icon's children at the service Credit: � 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved Some of the best known names in Irish society turned out to pay their respects, including former Taoiseach During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Lord Henry, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Advertisement READ MORE IN IRISH NEWS The last Slane His son, the ninth Marquess Conyngham, recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. Advertisement Most read in Irish News Latest 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. Hundreds queue outside Slane Castle hours ahead of Harry Style's sold-out concert 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' TOUCHING TRIBUTE However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. Advertisement 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' The first 'real breakthrough' came with a SAVE ROCK AND ROLL At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Advertisement Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Lord Henry's interest in Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the After saying Lord Henry was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mine to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slan' to Henry.' Advertisement WISE WORDS The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Lord Henry's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' Advertisement Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played. 6 Rocker Adam Clayton of U2 made an appearance at the funeral Credit: PA 6 Family and friends followed the coffin Credit: PA 6 Lord Henry died aged 74 on June 18 following a 'valiant' battle with cancer Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin Advertisement
The Journal
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Family of Lord Henry Mount Charles tell funeral service they will 'party on in his memory'
THE FAMILY OF Slane Castle's Lord Henry Mount Charles will 'party on in his memory', his funeral service has been told. His funeral was held at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane today, following his death at the age of 74 last week. He had been diagnosed with cancer more than ten years ago. During the service, Alex Conyngham said his father 'truly loved' Ireland despite initially struggling with his Anglo-Irish identity. Since 1981, Mount Charles, a rock fan, hosted a series of open-air concerts at his ancestral home of Slane Castle in Co Meath. The Slane estate, which acts as a natural amphitheatre due to its sloping lands, has played host to several top acts including The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Queen, U2 and Madonna. The last Slane Festival was in June 2023, when Harry Styles performed for 80,000 fans. His son recalled a joke by Frank Kelly that described his father being 'born with a silver dagger in his back' with his unconventional but privileged position at Slane Castle. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo He said his father was 'immensely lucky' to have had a 'colourful string of people' working on the estate for which he was grateful as they 'rolled through the good times and the occasional dark days' including when the castle was significantly damaged by a fire in 1991. Alex Conyngham said: 'Dad initially struggled with his Anglo-Irish identity, and described it as feeling like he had a leg either side of the Irish Sea with each side treating him as something of an outsider. 'It was when he went to Harvard and immersed himself in the study of Irish history that that fog of uncertainty lifted.' He said it was there that he realised that, as an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, he belonged to one of the 'many streams' that fed Ireland and could make positive contributions towards the country. 'Politically, he was a passionate constitutional Republican, and he truly loved this country, its culture and people, and he counted himself blessed to be an Irishman.' However, he noted that not everyone agreed with this perspective and the castle walls had previously been defaced with aggressive, negative graffiti. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar arriving at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo 'But this only emboldened dad to strive all the harder.' Alex Conyngham said his father had a great commitment towards peace, and it also came to him that he had to open up the castle gates while being 'driven by a conviction that music is a universal language that brings people together.' Advertisement The first 'real breakthrough' came with a Thin Lizzy concert in 1981, with U2 and Hazel O'Connor also on the bill. At a time of financial difficulty, he said Slane Castle was 'saved by rock and roll'. Alex Conyngham also paid tribute to Mount Charles's interest in politics, saying his father 'loved to connect'. Although his political ambitions were unrealised, he found other ways to express his opinions – including the 'Lord Henry' column in the Irish Mirror. After saying Mount Charles was blessed to enjoy the love of two remarkable women – his first wife Eileen and his second wife Iona, he thanked his father for trusting him with his legacy. He added: 'Dad's thanks and mines to all of you in Slane and online who have gathered here to say 'slán' to Henry.' Adam Clayton (right) arriving at St Patrick's Church of Ireland in Slane. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The service featured readings by Lord Simon Conyngham and Wolfe Conyngham, as well as U2 member Adam Clayton. Mount Charles's daughter Tamara read a tribute called 'lessons from my dad', which included: 'Never give up, ever.' She said: 'Dad was one of the most determined people that I know and he proved what can be achieved when you truly put your mind to it.' Also recalling an anecdote about being admonished for going to bed before the last of our guests, she added: 'He fought for so long because he didn't want to leave the party and all we can do now is party on in his memory.' The final tribute during the service came from Mount Charles's friend Nick Koumarianos. Koumarianos said he knew Mount Charles as a 'hell of a cool dude', adding: 'He was tall, he was handsome, he was titled and, by the way, he knew it.' However, he said there was 'no silver spoon' for the aristocrat, saying the castle needed serious attention. Amid stories about Mount Charles's business abilities and 'sense of mischief', he said his friend had 'put Ireland on the map' for generations of pop music fans around the world. In a remark met with widespread laughter, he added: 'He had real commercial skills although on one occasion I do remember him saying: 'always do your accounts in pencil – and don't press too hard'.' Koumarianos said Mount Charles was a glutton for punishment who seemed to be refreshed by adversity, including clashing egos at concerts, the fire at the castle and its reconstruction, success of Slane whiskey and then his final illness. He said Mount Charles was 'always relished the challenge, adding that he was a 'mighty man' who bore his illness with 'remarkable courage'. Following the service, his coffin was carried out of the church while Bad by U2 played.
