Cancer almost killed me twice in past year
»Lord Henry on mend & declares ‘every day’s a gift’ »Rock ‘n’ roll peer pledges gig at castle in 2022
LORD Henry Mountcharles has revealed he battled for his life twice in the past year as he struggles with cancer.
The rock peer left his home for the first time in a year yesterday to visit his beloved Slane Castle.
Henry, who has been fighting lung cancer, told of his delight and relief that he can get back to some form of normal life after getting his second Covid-19 vaccine more than a week ago.
He isolated with his wife Iona at their stately residence at Beauparc House a few miles from the castle.
Henry, who will be 70 next month, said: “I had two really hairy moments and I am very lucky to be alive.
“I am on a drug for lung cancer and so far touch wood it is all going well. Every day is a blessing.
“I haven’t seen my PA Eimear or stood in Slane Castle for over a year and it was wonderful to go over there.
“It felt very nostalgic because I missed Slane so much.” Henry admitted he found it very tough having to stay at home and not meet people face to face.
Like thousands of people all over the country he had to see his grandchildren through a glass window and he found that hard.
However, Henry felt he had it easier than many others.
He stated; “At least Beauparc is a beautiful place, I could walk for miles on my own and not meet a sinner.
“I got fresh air and my walks every day and to be honest you could not cocoon in such a nicer place in the whole world on the banks of the River Boyne than Beauparc. Psychologically I felt strange leaving it and going out the gates for the first time in a year today”.
The Slane boss also praised Iona who he said is an incredible woman and thanked her for “putting up with me”.
He is now hoping that his wife will be vaccinated soon as she waits her turn.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the first Slane rock concert which saw Thin Lizzy and U2 headline the legendary venue in 1981.
Henry hopes to bring live music back to his world renowned Meath venue.
He revealed: “If the pandemic is behind us and everyone is vaccinated, hopefully we will be in a position to go ahead.
“Many artists have really struggled financially during the crisis with very little money coming in.
“If it is a case that two of the world’s major acts are touring next year and they want to play Slane we will try to accommodate them.
“The last time we did two acts in a year was Bon Jovi and Eminem in 2013.
I will not comment on who we are looking at for 2022 but you can take it they will be top-class whoever we pick.
“We will also have to seek planning permission from the council etc.
“In the past year I have been talking to many people by phone and Zoom and the one thing they tell me is everyone wants to go to a live gig.
“We just have to try and find a way to run it in the current climate.”
Henry also told how the Slane Whiskey brand which he created with his son Alex signed a deal with the supermarket chain Waitrose in Britain and has been selling very well.
After initially suffering a setback because of Covid sales of his whiskey has since rebound in the US.
The distillery had become popular with tourists prior to the pandemic. He hopes Slane will be open again as soon as outdoor dining is allowed.
Henry proudly added: “Slane Castle whiskey will be my legacy.”