It is now official – Garth Brooks will not play Ireland this year.
There had been a small glimmer of hope for Donegal music fans that the country singer would be able to play his five gigs at Croke Park.
But he said he is crushed and broken-hearted after receiving news that Dublin City Council CANNOT change their earlier ruling to allow all five shows.
The singer issued a lengthy statement tonight after talks to hammer out a deal on the Croke Park fiasco ended without agreement.
Mr Brooks said: “I have always been advised to NEVER send a message in “the moment.”
“It is said it is best to take a walk, wait awhile, and think about it.
“With that said, I just received the news the Irish council cannot change their earlier ruling to not allow the licenses for all five shows.
“To say I am crushed is an understatement. All I see is my mother’s face and I hear her voice.
“She always said things happen for a reason and for the right reason.
“As hard as I try, I cannot see the light on this one. So it is with a broken heart, I announce the ticket refunds for the event will go as posted by TicketMaster.”
Despite the embarrassing series of events, the country star thanked the Irish authorities “for going the distance for all of us who wanted to share songs and dance together.”
The 52-year-old said: ” I really want to thank all the people around the world that continued to think good thoughts that this would actually happen.
“Most of all, to Peter Aiken and those 400,000 people who believed enough to go through what they have been through to get to this point…I love you, always have, always will.
“I encourage any and all of them that can come see the show, at some point around the world, to bring your Irish flags and waive them proudly at the concerts. I will be looking for you.…garth.”
Aiken Promotions tonight issued a statement saying: “We regret to announce that despite pursuing all possible solutions, the 5 concert Garth Brooks Comeback Special Event at Croke Park is cancelled. No concerts will take place.
“The ticket return process will begin on Thursday 17 July at 9am through Ticketmaster.”
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