Madonna-mania hit Ireland today as fans put her on course for a sell-out concert.

The ultimate material girl notched up around 3.5 million euro in the first five-hours of ticket sales for her Slane Castle show, with around half of the 80,000 allocation snapped up.

Irish fans went crazy for her as they queued from early this morning to catch their first ever glimpse of the star who has been in vogue for a quarter of a century.

“The tickets have sold exceptionally well, quicker than anticipated. Over 50% have sold despite blocking bulk sales and group bookings and restricting the number of sales to any one person,” said Justin Green, of promoters MCD.

“It is definitely on course for a sell-out.”

The extravaganza is set for Slane Castle in Co Meath on Sunday August 29 – the only outdoor event on Madonna`s whole tour.

The 45-year-old singer has been in the business for 25 years but has never performed in Ireland before.

And some 80,000 fans are expected to pack the historic venue for her one-off appearance.

Mr Green added: “It`s the only outdoor concert on her tour and it has taken over 20 years to get her to play here. It is one of the reasons we wanted her to perform outdoors.”

“We are happy with the management of tickets, extremely happy. They are selling better than anticipated and it is only a matter of time.

“It has taken over 20 years to confirm a date with Madonna, so god knows when she`ll perform here again.”

Madonna, a follower of the Jewish Kabbalah spiritual movement, is reported to be bringing more than 100 personnel, including dancers, backing singers and a strong-security team.

Madonna kicked-off her Reinvention Tour in the US in May and heads for Europe in July.

As she took to the stage in the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles, it was her first time on tour in three-years.

Husband Guy Ritchie and children Lourdes, 7, and Rocco, 3, were at her first Reinvention show.

Tickets went on sale for the Slane venue, owned by Lord Henry Mount Charles, though it still has to receive its licence from Meath County Council.

The Ticketmaster website was busy with fans logging on to purchase the 88.50 euro tickets after they went on sale at 8am today.

Madonna is following in the footsteps of U2, Robbie Williams, the Rolling Stones, Queen and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who have all headlined the one-day festival.

Source: U.Tv