A government hearing on why Garth Brooks' hugely lucrative shows in Dublin were shelved has been put on hold as talks to salvage the concerts at Croke Park continue. The concert promoter and a senior GAA official were due to appear before politicians on Friday, though that has now been delayed.

Garth BrooksGarth Brooks at Croke Park

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport and Communications said it wanted to "provide the space for negotiations to continue unimpeded".

The U.S country star, who has a huge Irish following, had planned five concerts at Croke Park between Friday 25 and Tuesday 29 July. However, the council only granted a license or three of the shows following objections from residents.

More: Will he or won't he? Garth Brooks vows to reach out to Irish prime minister

Dublin City Council said on Thursday it had accepted a proposal by Aiken Promotions for afternoon concerts, though the idea was criticised by Brooks and the promoter, who said it was "not feasible." Ruling out playing two concerts on Saturday and Sunday, between 2pm and 6pm and then 8pm to 11pm, Brooks said: "To treat 160,000 people differently than all the rest and to see a show other than how it was meant and created is wrong."

Garth BrooksGarth Brooks held a photocall at Croke Park

Brooks has been pretty firm on the issue: either five concerts, or none at all. 

The shows were officially called off on Tuesday and ticket holders were given information on how to obtain refunds. Despite this, some fans are holding out in the hope that the concerts will still go ahead. 

Brooks told a news conference in Nashville on Thursday that if Irish prime minister Kenny wanted to speak with him, he would "crawl, swim and fly over."