One of the first live pilot gigs with a reduced capacity of 200 people - given the go ahead this week - sold out within four minutes yesterday (Thursday) morning. 

Taking place on Saturday, June 26 in The Gleneagle INEC the stellar line-up includes Irish music legend Christy Moore, singer-songwriter Susan O’Neill, traditional singer Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh, and performer extraordinaire Jack L.

Tickets were not sold individually but instead in pods of six. Each pod was allocated a specific arrival time and a pre-allocated table. Facemasks are required when arriving at and vacating the venue. Doors will open at 6.30pm to allow for staggered arrival times and the concert will begin at 8pm.

It's part of the move towards a wider reopening of society, the gig is one of a series of indoor and outdoor pilot events taking place around the country throughout June and July.

Attendees were required to take part in a survey at point of purchase and the data gathered will be supplied to the Department for research purposes. In order to facilitate contract tracing contact details for all attendees will be collected and all attendees will be required to have their smartphone switched on and the HSE COVID App installed.

"It has been a long and difficult 15 months for so many musicians, artists, venue operators, crew and audiences," Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD, said.

"I am delighted to announce the INEC gig, which is one in a series of pilot events my Department is providing to help us move towards a wider reopening of the live events sector. The line-up for the evening is fantastic and will help the Government to plan for the safe management of events whilst COVID is still circulating in our communities and build confidence in the guidance and event management protocols developed to keep everyone safe. I am so excited that we are reopening our stages, concerts, sports, our country and I have no doubt everyone who is lucky enough to attend will have a fantastic evening.”

For further information visit www.inec.ie.