Rivalries, sport and weddings galore

For those too old, poor or sensible to spend their time camped out in a potentially muddy field with 30,000 music fans this weekend – don’t worry as there are alternatives.

The renewal of an old rivalry in a battle for one of Irish sports most sought after titles, a roadshow for would be newlyweds and a festival of music and food on the streets of Waterford are among the events taking place across the country this weekend.

Just 12 months after denying their rivals a place in sporting folklore, reigning All Ireland Senior Hurling champions Tipperary take on a Kilkenny side that is no doubt still smarting after being denied an historic five in a row feat last autumn.

The championship decider takes place at Croke Park on Sunday at 3.30pm with Galway and Dublin set to square off in the curtain-raising minor final at 1.15pm.

A crowd of 80,000 is expected at Croke Park for the game and traffic restrictions will be in place, and delays can be expected, in Drumcondra and in the surrounding area throughout the day.

The Irish soccer team takes on Slovakia at the Aviva Stadium tonight (7.30pm) in a game that could prove crucial to both sides Euro 2012 qualification hopes.

Elsewhere on the sporting calendar, a Munster side, ravaged with absences due to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, faces the Newport Gwent Dragons as the RaboDirect Pro12 League kicks into action. The sides meet at Musgrave Park in Cork at 7.45pm tomorrow.

There are also race meetings at Kilbeggan (this evening from 4.35pm), Leopardstown (tomorrow at 3.40pm) and Dundalk (Sunday at 2.35pm).

An influx of couples can be expected in and around Ballsbridge in Dublin over the weekend as the RDS plays host to a wedding and honeymoon fair.

Samples of items ranging from wedding cakes to marital thrones and advice on topics as diverse as church music and organising a stag party are on offer at the event which costs €12 to enter and runs from 11.30am to 5.30pm tomorrow and Sunday.

On a less domestic note, the Waterford Harvest Festival gets underway tomorrow on the streets of the city. The Stunning, O Emperor and The Saw Doctors are among the acts providing entertainment for a street barbecue party which begins at 3.30pm on Bolton street, with admission costing €25.

Significant numbers are also expected to attend the Beltra Agricultural Show in Co Sligo between 10am and 6pm tomorrow. AA Roadwatch has warned of traffic delays in the area as the event celebrates its centenary.