The Edge, U2 Guitarist, Embraces Irish Citizenship After Years of Delay
After years of putting it off, U2’s guitarist, The Edge, has finally taken on Irish citizenship. Born in Britain, the 63-year-old musician was granted Irish nationality this Monday, over six decades since he first settled in Ireland, a decision he described as “long overdue.”
Although U2 is often seen as an emblem of Irish culture, and The Edge’s distinctive woolly hats could almost be considered a part of the national heritage, David Howell Evans was not officially an Irish citizen until this recent change. “I’ve always been a bit slow with the administrative tasks,” he joked with journalists following the citizenship ceremony in Killarney, County Kerry. “I’ve made Ireland my home since I was a year old. Now felt like the right time. I couldn’t be prouder of my country for what it stands for and its actions.”
Evans, who was born in England to Welsh parents, has felt a deep connection with Ireland from his earliest days. In 1976, he founded U2 with three classmates from Dublin—Paul Hewson (better known as Bono), Larry Mullen Jr., and Adam Clayton. The band went on to create iconic tracks like “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” which have become anthems in Ireland.
Despite his long-standing residence and deep personal and professional ties to the country, Evans had never applied for citizenship. “There were many opportunities in the past when I could have easily completed the application, but doing it now feels more meaningful,” he explained.
During the ceremony, which was held at the Gleneagle arena along with hundreds of other new citizens, Evans donned a clip of the Irish flag and took an oath of loyalty to Ireland. This event was part of a larger initiative spanning two days, aimed at granting citizenship to 7,500 individuals.
The guitarist found the ceremony deeply emotional, particularly meaningful because of Ireland’s commitment to global organizations like the International Criminal Court and the UN, and its efforts in “speaking truth to power.” “I’ve always identified as Irish. Ireland is my home and I am thankful for that,” he stated. “Ireland is demonstrating true leadership globally, and this is an ideal time for me to deepen my connection with my homeland.”
While some critics have pointed out that U2’s tax strategies, which involve routing some income outside of Ireland, might suggest a lesser commitment to the country, the event in Kerry nevertheless marked a significant moment for Evans.
The citizenship ceremonies in Kerry welcomed 7,500 applicants from over 143 countries, with the largest groups hailing from India, Brazil, the UK, the Philippines, Romania, and Poland. The new citizens came from various walks of life, including retail workers, meat processing employees, and finance professionals.
Jim O’Callaghan, the minister for justice, home affairs, and migration, highlighted the significance of these events, linking new citizens to their new country. “Becoming a citizen of this country is a tremendous privilege that carries with it responsibilities and duties. I believe all new citizens recognize this,” he remarked.
O’Callaghan’s comments were made in the context of increasing opposition to immigration in the US and Europe, including both Ireland and Northern Ireland. A recent rally in central Dublin saw thousands of protestors, some bearing banners declaring “Ireland is full” and others wearing caps with slogans like “Make Ireland Great Again.”
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
