Storm brewing over Six Nations clash

As a storm builds up in the heavens, a clash of titans is about to be unleashed on Croke Park at the RBS 6 Nations rugby match…

As a storm builds up in the heavens, a clash of titans is about to be unleashed on Croke Park at the RBS 6 Nations rugby match where Ireland meets Wales.

And what better day to prepare for the event than on daffodil day (in support of the Irish Cancer Society), with the daffodil being a popular Welsh emblem.

The 76,600 rugby fans expected at the GAA headquarters will not have to worry about getting their hair too wet, but Met Éireann has said they could be in for a windy ride with some showers.

Gales are expected to build up to well over 100 km/h over the next two days, and a storm is likely to hit the country on Sunday with gusts carrying on into Monday.

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But not to worry if you're one of the lucky ones who managed to dodge watching the game at the stadium; in the comfort of your own home wind and rain will seem like the complaint of one who blames his tools.

Gardaí are advising fans and motorists to be responsible, and AA Roadwatch have suggested that fans to allow plenty of time to get to Croke Park before the 1.15pm kick-off.

Drivers parking illegally or badly will have their vehicles clamped. There will be two supervised car parks - at Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra (with access via Lower Drumcondra Road) and at O'Connell's School, North Richmond Street.

Both are near the grounds, but there are also plenty national car parks closer to the city centre.

Drivers will not be able to leave the car parks until 45 minutes after the game to allow pedestrians to leave the stadium safely.

Further afield in Kilkenny and Kildare, the race is on at Gowran Park and the Naas Racecourse. In Kilkenny the first race starts at 2.10pm on Saturday and in Kildare at 2.40pm on Sunday. Bus Éireann will be operating special services for each meeting.

Across the island, hurling fans in Dublin, Wexford, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and Laois can expect a great afternoon as Allianz National Hurling games kick off at 2.30pm.