A group of Coldplay fans from West Donegal got to the opening concert in Dublin on a ‘wing and a prayer’ after their flight was suddenly cancelled. Thursday’s Donegal-Dublin lunchtime flight had to be aborted due to technical issues, sparking a wave of panic among those on a deadline to get to Croke Park. Among the concertgoers were Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, Maria and Jacqueline Doherty.
But the rocky start turned into a rocking concert for the fans whose prayers to a higher power were answered over and over! “We were on the plane and we were halfway down the runway when the captain aborted the take-off after a few seconds into acceleration,” recalls Fr Ó Fearraigh. The passengers disembarked, to be told in the terminal that the flight wasn’t going anywhere, nevermind Up&Up . “There was a bit of panic but the entire staff at Donegal Airport kept us informed, they were incredibly, helpful, professional and kind in every way,” Fr Ó Fearraigh said.
Coach driver Cronan Mac came to the rescue to take all the passengers on a bus organised by Donegal Airport, and so began the adventure of a lifetime to get to the capital on time. Cronan Mac to the rescue Safely delivered to Dublin airport, Fr Brian, Maria and Jacqueline then taxied and legged it to Croke Park to get to their seats with just five minutes to spare! “I was praying and I think a lot of people were praying along with me as well,” says Fr Ó Fearraigh of the journey. Ironically, the band’s new sin.