Ed Sheeran’s Dromineer link
The Lough Derg-side village of Dromineer, a destination of water lovers for centuries, played host to a famous one last week when singer Ed Sheeran reportedly chose a local manor for his stay while performing at his two sellout concerts in Thomond Park in Limerick.
Locals said Sheeran, accompanied by his wife Cherry Seaborn, their infant daughter Lyra and entire entourage were reported to have stayed at Kilteelagh House for up to five days, generating a rumour mill that filled the village with gossip about sightings of the superstar.
People from Dromineer who spoke to this newspaper said there was no better place for Sheeran to chill and relax than in the 15,000 square foot manor and its 25 acres of gardens and lush pastures that run down to the shores of Lough Derg itself.
Built in 1863, Kilteelagh House has five reception rooms and eight bedrooms as well as two converted stable blocks and its own private boat house. Large deciduous trees on the grounds offer exceptional privacy, which surely appealed to a star of Sheeran's stature.
Contacted by this newspaper Rita Ryan, proprietor with her husband Joe of the Whiskey Still pub and restaurant in Dromineer, confirmed rumours were flying during Sheeran's stay.
One of the reports circulating was that the famous singer went to the Whiskey Still for dinner.
“On Wednesday night we were locking up and some cars pulled up asking was he (Sheeran) inside,” revealed Rita.
“That was only the start of it, and by Friday people were able to tell me what he ate in our restaurant” laughed Rita, who admitted getting a great kick of how unfounded rumours seem to acquire legs.
Alas, the truth is more mundane, as she went on to reveal. “I can tell you nothing about him because he wasn't on our premises, despite all the rumours to the contrary. We never saw him or any one belonging to him.”
Rita confirmed that people travelled to the village in the hope of catching a glimpse of the superstar. But she did not hear of any local sightings, only news circulating of two vans with blacked-out windows that had never been seen in the locality before.
Asked if he happened to spot Sheeran, Declan Collison, proprietor of the local Lough Derg House and Lake Café, joked: “Oh yes, he was at First Communions, Confirmations and was seen drinking in a local establishment!”
In truth, Declan said that while he did not meet Sheeran, he did speak to some of his security people. “He was the talk of the place for the last few days.”