Lansdowne set for chilly Anglo-Irish encounter

Those attending this weekend's sporting events should prepare to wrap up well as it promises to be bitterly cold.

Those attending this weekend's sporting events should prepare to wrap up well as it promises to be bitterly cold.

Met Éireann says daytime temperatures will remain low with sharp to severe frosts at night and some icy patches.

However, Sunday will see "good sunny spells with just the odd rain or hail showers" - good news in particular for rugby fans as the Six Nations Ireland v England game kicks off in Lansdowne Road at 3 p.m.

Racing enthusiasts should note that the Fairyhouse meeting scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled due to bad weather. It will instead take place in Thurles. Punchestown has also been called off, again because of the weather.

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There are a number of national hurling fixtures this weekend, but three games in particular are expected to draw large crowds.

Dublin play Clare tomorrow in Parnell Park, Dublin, throw in at 3.15 p.m.; Kilkenny play Galway in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny at 2.30 p.m.; and Limerick take on Tipperary in the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick at 2 p.m..

Motorists are advised to drive with extra caution over the weekend, particularly in the mornings. Low temperatures at night will result in severe frost, making roads hazardous.

Ulster, Munster and Connacht should remain generally clear and clear for the rest of today while the east, south-east and midlands may get more falls of snow, but these will turn to showers by this evening. Tomorrow the showers will ease off during the day and Sunday should be a dry crisp and bright day, but cold.

Apart from English rugby fans arriving into Dublin this weekend, there are reports of visitors also arriving from Scandinavia and northern Europe - Siskins, Redpolls, and the exotic-looking Waxwings have all been reportedly seen in Irish gardens, according to Birdwatch Ireland.

The wildlife group today warned that the harsh winter can spell doom for garden birds and are appealing to people to leave out food and water in their gardens.

However, birds should never be fed dried coconut, uncooked rice or dry bread as these may swell up in the bird's stomach.

BirdWatch Ireland is contactable at 01-2819878 and wwww.birdwatchireland.ie