Preparations for historic rugby clash

Final preparations are under way at Croke Park today before the Six Nations clash between Ireland and France.

Final preparations are under way at Croke Park today before the Six Nations clash between Ireland and France.

More than 82,000 rugby fans are to fill the stadium tomorrow, as the Gaelic Athletic Association's headquarters opens it doors for the first time to a foreign sport.

The historic event comes just a week after the stadium hosted its first floodlight game, with Dublin loosing to Tyrone in the Allianz National League.

Pubs next to the rugby stadium at Lansdowne Road, which is closed for a € 350 million redevelopment, are expected to shuttle bus supporters to the ground on the north side of the city tomorrow, while gardai are advising fans driving to the game to be aware of parking restrictions in the area.

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There will be two supervised car parking facilities at Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra (access via Lower Drumcondra Road), and in O'Connells School, North Circular Road, open from 10am.

No traffic will be permitted to leave the car parks until approximately 45 minutes after the game to allow supporters on foot to leave the area safely. Although Dublin Port Tunnel is accessible to all vehicles, those arriving via the M50 and M1 motorways are advised to allow time for traffic delays.

"All those attending the game, either on foot or by car, are asked to have consideration for local residents," added a garda spokesman.

Croke Park is expected to attract more than two million sports and music fans this year alone, hosting four Ireland soccer matches, two international rugby games and four music concerts as well as 25 days of GAA games.