Imelda May has announced she will perform Amhrán na bhFiann in Las Vegas ahead of Conor McGregor's fight with Floyd Mayweather.
The Dubliner was called in at short notice, after Dana White revealed they were only given a couple of days to try and find an Irish artist to perform before the super-fight.
Here's the news! I’ve been asked to perform the National Anthem ahead of the #mayweathermcgregor fight in VEGAS!🇺🇸Let’s go McGregor!! 🏆👊🏻🇮🇪
— Imelda May (@ImeldaOfficial) August 26, 2017
May follows in the footsteps on Sinead O'Connor in performing at a Conor McGregor fight. Ahead of his fight with Chad Mendes in July 2015, O'Connor sang The Foggy Dew as McGregor walked to the octagon.
While May was asked as very short notice to fly to Las Vegas, it means she has had to cancel a performance with only 24 hours notice. The headline act at the Down on the Close festival in Rugby, she pulled out to travel to America.
The organisers were understandably not impressed with her decision.
As many of you are now aware, it is with great surprise and regret that the organisers of Down on the Close have to announce, at such short-notice, that Imelda May is unable to perform at the event, tomorrow.
We apologise for not getting back to you all personally this evening, but we are working hard tonight to explore the legal position and other factors surrounding this news.
We are devastated, as we are sure lots of Imelda May fans are, about this short-notice cancellation, however we do understand why Imelda has made the decision to accept this new opportunity… the details of which she will be announcing via her own platforms.
We understand that fans of Imelda May will be disappointed to hear of this last-minute programme change, but please come along and join us for what is set to be a spectacular night of music from the other great acts who will all still be there and we are proud to have on our stage.
May also released a statement apologising to her fans, for cancelling at such short notice.
I am very sorry to announce that I’m unable to perform at the 450th school anniversary in Rugby tomorrow. I was really looking forward to it, and hate to cancel on you all so last minute but I have just been offered a once in a lifetime opportunity that I can’t turn down. I hope you will understand.
Love Imelda x
Despite the apology, plenty of fans have not been impressed by May's decision.
What bout fans who bought tickets & paid for hotels etc for gig you cancelled?
Sure as long as your well paid for #MayMac gig,fuck the fans?— stephen O C (@steveOc7) August 26, 2017
Glad you have made some cash for your family!! Meantime took from me , as single parent!@ cheers Imelda thanks for the returned support
— Tonya Wright (@TonyaJill) August 26, 2017
Whilst dropping out last minute from of a small music festival you had already signed up for ages ago. There's loyalty for you. #classy
— brian peters (@urbanlegend11) August 26, 2017
@ImeldaOfficial hope the rumour that you pulled out of your commitment tonight at the 11th hour for a better offer aren't true.
— Sophie Cookson (@soapysmith82) August 26, 2017
can't believe you chose boxing promoters over your fan base, at such a late hour hope the purse can compensate, still love your music though
— Malcolm Fowler (@spangleit) August 26, 2017
Rugby's loss will be Las Vegas' gain.
SEE ALSO: James McClean Leads Criticism Of Paddy Power's Floyd Mayweather Stunt
