The world's greatest rock band rolled back the years at Slane Castle on Saturday night, writes John O'Mahony.

From such humble origins, the world's greatest rock band rolled back the years at Slane Castle on Saturday night for something of a farewell concert.

"I asked my father for £500. The Edge asked his father for £500. Larry asked his Dad and Adam asked his mother for £500. But we didn't choose to stay in London or in New York when we made it. We came back to Dublin. This is our city and you are our tribe," Bono told the 85,000 fans who packed Lord Mount Charles' backyard for the second week in a row.

"And by now you've all paid about £500. You have given us a great life and this is our thank you," he told the screaming mass.

At about £3.50 a pint and £7.50 for a hamburger, Bono wasn't too far off the mark. But by the time the fab four took to the stage shortly after 8.30pm no-one was feeling any pain.

Before that, support acts Ash, Nelly Furtado and Moby joined in the fun as the tens of thousands of fans, including the odd famous face, celebrated Ireland's historic win over the Dutch.

U2 were soon in on the act. "It's two nil now," Bono roared as the band launched into the opening number Elevation.

Digging deep into their 20-year catalogue, the band rolled out the hits for well over an hour much to the delight of the home crowd. Where the Streets Have No Name, All I Want Is You, Pride, Desire, Mysterious Ways, Out of Control, Staring at the Sun, and Kite, all featured from the band's repertoire.

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