'From Patrick Street, Mullingar to this'

Niall says EP appearance a 'dream come through'

Niall Horan was given a hero's welcome when he played Electric Picnic for the first time on Friday night.

His much anticipated maiden appearance at EP may have been delayed for a short time due to technical problems, but the Mullingar native's assured performance in front of the biggest crowd in his celebrated career highlighted why he is a global superstar.

In an emotional speech before his last song of the night - Slow Hands, one of his first hits after One Direction broke up – Niall told the tens of thousands that packed into the main arena that he is proud to “fly the flag” for Ireland across the world.

"I wish I could put into words how this felt, from Patrick Street, Mullingar to this.

"This is a country with less than five million people and the noise that we make worldwide is absolutely insane.

“And as long as you would like me to, I'm happy to fly the flag for our little country all over the planet.

"I love our little country. I love being here tonight. I love you all. Thank you so much for coming out to see me. This has been an absolute dream come true."

Niall's well received set also included his take on Nothing Compares to U in tribute to the late Sinead O'Connor.