SINGER Imelda May said duty called when she decided to cancel a festival appearance in England to sing at the Conor McGregor fight in Las Vegas.
Fans of the songstress were left disappointed when the Dubliner pulled out of an appearance at Rugby's Down on the Close Festival to sing the Irish national anthem on fight night in the US.
After delivering a beautiful rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann last night, May took to Instagram to explain her reasons for the last minute change - saying it was not a decision she made lightly.
"I was asked to represent my country at the biggest sporting event in our small island's history," she said.
"I was very honoured and so proud to sing our national anthem to the world.
"I sincerely thank the amazing Conor McGregor for asking me to be part of his special, unbelievable evening."
She added: "I did not make the decision to cancel, lightly. I did not do it for money by the way. I did not do it for fame.
"I am fully aware my performance will be probably forgotten in two seconds. I simply felt duty called."
May apologised for letting her fans down and promised to make it up to them, while also praising McGregor.
"He won our hearts last night," she said.
"I thank all of you for your support as I was nervous as hell until I started singing and then felt all your good vibes with me."