Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton with locals outside Downey’s in Dungarvan.

While the arrival later that day of nearly 200 cyclists competing in the An Post Rás has been expected in the town of Dungarvan, the appearance on Friday morning of Irish rockers U2 was certainly more surprising.

Bono, The Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton made an unanticipated visit to the seaside town to attend the anniversary Mass of their long-term tour manager, Dennis Sheehan.

The band arrived in Dungarvan via helicopter, touching down on the GAA pitch at 9am, and spent a short time mingling with locals in the town centre.

Mary O’Donovan, from Dungarvan Tourist Office, described the visit to WLR FM.

“The Land Rover came down the street and all the boys got out. They came across the road, had a few words with people around, had a couple of pictures and selfies taken with people, and they were gone again within two minutes.”

Mr Sheehan, a native of Dungarvan, died suddenly last year at the age of 68. He had been the band’s tour manager since 1982, and died of a suspected heart attack in Hollywood while the band were on tour in LA.