While the traditional “Christmas Eve Busk” lit up the Gaiety Theater on December 24 for the benefit of the homeless, another, more intimate scene was performed a few days earlier. Bono joined a young street artist for an impromptu moment of grace. Meet Leah Mooney.
It’s a tradition that makes the heart of Dublin beat every year. This December 24, 2025, the legendary charity street concert organized by Glen Hansard brought together thousands of people in front of the Gaiety Theater. Moved from Grafton Street for security reasons, the event has lost none of its fervor.
The big Christmas concert with Bono and Imelda May
The high point of this vigil was undoubtedly the arrival of Bono. The leader of U2, accompanied by the sensational Imelda Maydelivered a powerful version of Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)the Darlene Love classic. Supported by a cheering crowd, the two icons reminded us why Dublin remains a capital of rock.
The evening ended on a poignant note with a collective tribute to Shane MacGowan. The entire cast, including Danny O'Donoghue (The Script) and Danny O'Reilly (The Coronas), sang Fairy Tale of New Yorktransforming South King Street into a huge choir in memory of the punk poet.
The Busk's objective remains the fight against homelessness. You can donate to the Dublin Simon Community here.
The exclusive: An improvised duo on Grafton Street
But the magic of Christmas had happened a few days before the big evening. Away from the security barriers of the Gaiety, Bono was seen strolling down Grafton Street, his Canon 5D on his shoulder and a coffee in his hand. He stopped to listen Leah Mooneya young street singer (busker) aged 21. What was just attentive listening turned into a spontaneous duet, with the icon joining the student for a few bars.
Contacted by our editorial staff, Leah Mooney returns to this suspended moment: “I felt great. Sharing music with another person, no matter who they are, is something special. It was great to play with someone so talented”she tells us.
