BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN PLAYED the first of a series of Irish gigs in Thomond Park in Limerick last night, and boy did he play a blinder.

After thrilling early birds in the stadium by kicking off his soundcheck at 5.30pm, the boss then returned to the stage at 7.30 and played for more than three-and-a-half hours.

Those who didn’t manage to get tickets didn’t let that stop them, with hundreds gathering around the ground and in nearby gardens to listen in.

Sitting on a wall listening to The Boss. What summer was made for (pic via @Bonzer1again/Eoin via @BruceFunds)

Meanwhile it was a very special birthday night for a young man called Ross, who was brought up on stage by The Boss after he spotted his sign in the crowd :

YouTube/Niall Dalton

Springsteen also delighted fans with some local touches, dedicating Glory Days to the Limerick hurling team.

He sang My Hometown in honour of jockey JT McNamara, who was paralysed after a fall at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

All of our love and prayers to JT McNamara.

Meanwhile 41 Shots was dedicated to Treyvon Martin:

I want to send this one out as a letter back home. For justice for Trayvon Martin.

YouTube/CathyLung1

Springsteen plays Pairc Uí Chaoimh in Cork tomorrow night, before heading to Belfast on Saturday.

Then it’s back to Kilkenny for two shows at Nowlan Park on 27 and 28 July.

From TheScore.ie: Hurling fan Bruce Springsteen dedicates Glory Days to Limerick’s Munster Heroes>

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