Musgrave Park review: The Wolfe Tones thrill with a rousing farewell to the Rebel County

With support from The Scratch, Ispiní na hÉireann, and The Sharon Shannon Big Band — joined to the audience’s delight by Dublin singer Imelda May and Mundy who included duets of ‘Rainy Night in Soho’ and ‘Crazy World’ in their set in memory of Shane MacGowan and Christy Dignam — the Tones are not going quietly into their retirement, instead going out in a blaze of glory with a retirement do for the ages.

On the stage from 9pm, Brian Warfield, Noel Nagle, and Tommy Byrne led the sing-song with tunes like ‘Come Out Ye Black and Tans’ which they dedicated to Michael Collins, ‘Grace’, and ‘Celtic Symphony’ as the rain clouds fell away and the sun shone on their last night in Cork.

“It’s great to be back in the Rebel County,” Warfield told the crowd, adding: “Cork has long been supportive of the Wolfe Tones.” 

He joked that after 60 years “we’re not a boy band anymore” and reflected on their past gigs in Cork too. “I recall the great moments of the Siamsa Cois Laoí so let’s relieve it!” 

The traditional music group filled the night with their most-loved songs and the crowd was crying out for more.

It was a mix of all ages at the gig from young children to elderly fans and, being a Saturday night, the party was only starting for many patrons, who sang along with their pints held aloft, a toast of sorts to send The Wolfe Tones into retirement. The crowd wore a range of fashions, from Celtic jerseys and jeans to cowboy boots and mini dresses and everything in between, with tricolour flags and scarves the accessory of choice.

“We support the people of Palestine in their struggle,” Warfield said to huge cheers while introducing ‘Song of Liberty’ and called for peace. Keffiyeh-style scarfs were held overhead by some audience members during the song.

The Wolfe Tones’ tour continues until October and includes an anticipated appearance on the Electric Picnic main stage in August as well as their final Munster gigs in Killarney in September. Musgrave Park’s series of summer gigs, which this year included acts like Sting, Shania Twain, and Take That, came to a close as The Wolfe Tones sang ‘A Nation Once Again’ in Cork for the last time.