Garth Brooks to Irish fans " I will crawl, swim or fly over there"

The country singer Garth Brooks is embroiled in a huge controversy in Ireland, after pulling out of a deal for five concerts in Dublin. The musician's management team were dismayed by objections raised by local residents near the venue, however Brooks has said he still wants to put on a show for the 400,000 Irish fans who have already bought tickets. The issue has nearly prompted a political crisis with the Taoiseach, or prime minister, Enda Kenny admitting it is a major blow to Ireland's reputation. Garth Brooks has sold 130 million albums in the US, but the country star hasn't toured for 13 years since he left the stage behind to raise his family in Oklahoma. His comeback with five sell out concerts in Dublin, scheduled for the end of the month, ran into trouble when residents living close to the venue, Croke Park, objected to the event. The plug was pulled when Garth Brooks objected to a compromise by the Dublin City authorities for two matinee shows and three at night. Residents near the stadium, which is home to Ireland's national sports Gaelic Football and Hurling, complained that the concerts broke an agreement that limits the number of live music shows at the venue. As the BBC heard it is a major disappointment for the 400,000 who bought tickets, about one in ten of Ireland's population.