Bono stops by a local Waterford pub after a weekend celebrating The Edge’s wife’s birthday at Lismore Castle.

Music icon Bono and his wife Ali Hewson made an unexpected stop at Downeys Bar in Dungarvan, Co Waterford, on Monday, a pub owned by the singer’s longtime friend John McGrath. The group had spent the weekend celebrating The Edge’s wife, Morleigh Steinberg’s, 60th birthday at nearby Lismore Castle, and dropped by Downey’s for a brief visit before returning to Dublin.

Mr. McGrath, the owner of Downeys, mentioned that the group was keen to visit the grave of Dennis Sheehan, U2’s longtime tour manager, who is buried nearby at St Mary’s Church in Dungarvan. Sheehan, described by the band as “irreplaceable,” passed away from a heart attack in 2015 after over 30 years on the road with U2.

Although born in the UK, Dennis Sheehan settled in Waterford and built Ballyconnery Lodge in Dungarvan, where his family had roots. The lodge, located on a wooded hillside about 7km from Dungarvan, was likely where Sheehan planned many of U2’s renowned world tours.

“They went to visit Dennis Sheehan’s grave,” Mr. McGrath said. The pub was closed at the time, and when they called him from the car, Mr. McGrath initially thought it was a prank.

“It was Bono and Ali, along with the driver and his assistant,” Mr. McGrath said. “It was wonderful to shake hands with him. He’s very gracious.”