by Bronwyn Kay Galloway

This concert was my 21st U2 concert. I saw them another 12 times this year (2001), totaling 33 concerts since 1984.

I read some reviews here and only one mentioned Bono and two Irish flags on the night. This is not a review...let's call it a personal account.

My friend since second grade (we will both turn 33 in 2002) and I were inside the heart on the left facing the main stage. While singing a beautiful part of Sunday Bloody Sunday, Bono draped an Irish flag --that he had taken from an audience member-- over his head/body (wipe your tears away...wipe your blood). My friend and I were singing with our heads touching...I had my eyes closed when my friend bumped me with her elbow.

I looked up and Bono was looking to drop the flag in the crack in front of me between the inside heart rail and the heart stage--Bono face was pretty close to me...I then reached out my hand. He looked at me like he recognized me...then he seemed a little puzzled as he gracefully handed me the flag...I ungracefully grabbed it to be sure no one else would swipe it.

I truly wanted this moment to freeze in time. I wrapped the flag around my neck quickly, as I knew someone could try and grab it. Someone patted my back and said, "Congratulations!"

A security guard told me that I was going to have to give it back if the owner claimed it. I told him, "NO WAY - losers weepers." Then the "owner" came over very aggressively and told me it was his flag...he had brought it from NY. I told him that anyone could claim that and it was now mine as Bono handed it to ME. The "owner" came over again and lunged at me. I immediately asked security to guard me (I have a head injury and cannot risk violence and told the guards this). Three guards made him leave my area. He came back much later and said, "Enjoy it." I smiled, said, "Thank you," and held my poise in fear he could be trying to catch me off guard.

It was an indescribable feeling to wear that flag the rest of the night, especially out into the parking lot where more friends were gathered around the bus we had rented with our U2 video playing. Some had not seen the flag exchange and were incredulous.

Later, we sat on the bus and took turns describing our favorite moment of the evening. I was last and gave everyone a stare, like, "You have to ask?"

Then we asked the bus driver to turn out the lights as we drove, and everyone sang along to the title track of Unforgettable Fire.

A swirling evening!!!

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