Leo Varadkar gives the good word: ‘It’s a great weekend for Dublin: we’ve got Pride and Taylor Swift’

No clangers, all bangers — all 45 songs. The three-and-a-half hours flew by — even with my daughter Emilia on my shoulders throughout.

To see Taylor Swift perform live is to come face-to-face with a force of nature. She’s up there with modern megastars like Adele and Beyoncé.

‘I think Love Story is one of the most beautiful songs of all time’

Pink cowboy hats, friendship bracelets and T-shirts were de rigueur at the concerts. There were fans who flew in for the concert from America, and didn’t know whether they be able to get home because of the Aer Lingus strike. That said, nothing could dampen Swiftmania this weekend. ​

​Broadcaster Oliver Callan, who attended last night, told me: “I’m married to a Swiftie [John Lannin], so I’ve had months of training to ‘earn’ my place in the crowd! Because we went to the show, today has been called Swiftsmas in our house.

"Mr Lannin’s friends have it bad and warned me they will be ‘feral’ during the Tortured Poets Department section.”

Even the Taoiseach is a fan and had some kind words for the pop superstar.

Speaking yesterday, ­Simon Harris told the Sunday Independent: “Taylor Swift is an icon, a business mogul. She is empowering for a whole generation of women.

"Taylor hasn’t disappointed, she has delivered on stage — and I’m personally delighted she’s singing about Wicklow and her special pebble.

“In County Wicklow, we will always have a special place in our hearts for Taylor, as she visited the Garden of Ireland previously.

“On a serious note, I am really conscious that seeing their icon is a special moment for many people — and I hope they have the time of their lives. And I hope Taylor has had a wonderful time in a country that has such a warm welcome for her.”

Another broadcaster, Miriam O’Callaghan, wore a Swiftie bracelet while presenting Prime Time on RTÉ on Thursday. She didn’t go to the concert, but told me from her holiday in the Cotswolds: “Taylor is a poet. She writes beautiful lyrics. Her words resonate with all women of all ages.

“Her lyrics are meaningful, moving, fun and empowering. She is a true feminist, and she also radiates joy and energy.

"I also love that she’s also very kind and generous to everyone around her.”

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar is going to see Swift tonight.

“I’ve never seen her live. I’m really looking forward to the gig.”

Does he have a favourite song?

“I think Love Story is one of the most beautiful songs of all time,” he said, adding: “It’s a great weekend for Dublin: Pride and Taylor.”

A great night for the almost 50,000 Swifties came to an end at 10.30pm when their hero finished the concert with the song Karma.

Perhaps even Ó Muircheartaigh would have run out of words to describe the pitchside goings-on at the show in Dublin last night.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - June 30th