The sun will shine on both sets of supporters at tomorrow's All Ireland Gaelic football final, no matter who takes home the Sam Maguire, Met Eireann has predicted.
Weather forecasters expect "bright and sunny" weather. While there is the risk of a few showers, it should not be cold, and wind will be unlikely, a forecaster said yesterday.
As tens of thousands of people struggle in cars and trains to get to Croke Park on time, two fans will travel in style. An auction of two double sets of tickets on Pat Kenny's RTE radio show raised almost £8,000 for Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, in Crumlin.
Mr John Cahill used a mobile telephone to bid £3,950 for two tickets and helicopter transport to the final, while Mr John Foley got the same deal for £50 less. The two Meath fans won a flight from their home towns and a night in the Burlington Hotel.
One of the men is understood to have donated his prize to a children's charity.
Gardai have advised that traffic around Croke Park will be restricted between 11.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. The areas affected include Drumcondra Road Lower, the stadium side of the North Circular Road and the stadium side of the Ballybough Road.
Unauthorised vehicles will not be permitted in those areas. Motorists have been warned to adhere strictly to the parking regulations. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed away.
Gardai also warned spectators not to bring air horns, hand-held smoke flares or flag poles to the match. Anyone with such items will not be permitted within the Garda cordon around Croke Park.
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