Events to shine despite the weather

Met Éireann’s prediction of weather with a distinctly “autumnal feel” this weekend will bring little consolation to those planning to attend outdoor events taking place around the country.

The forecast heavy and sometimes thundery showers will disappoint, if not entirely surprise, most people, but the upside is that there are plenty of events to choose from.

Croke Park should attract the biggest crowd of the weekend where perennial championship underachievers Dublin will hope to improve on their poor performance against Wexford in the Leinster final.

The belief is that the boys in blue will certainly have to up their game if they are to beat bookies favourites and 2008 All Ireland winners Tyrone in tomorrow evening’s All Ireland quarter-final.

Cork will play Sligo in the junior championship semi final at 5pm. Throw in for the senior game is at 7pm.

Kilkenny, still considered by many as the nonpareil of the hurling scene, take on Waterford in the pick of Sunday’s two All Ireland hurling semi-finals at GAA headquarters.

A Déise win will demand a big performance from the county that showed renewed confidence against Galway after their thrashing by All-Ireland champions Tipperary in the Munster final. Throw in is at 3.30pm.

The minor game will have a distinctly derby feel to it as Clare play Galway at 1.30pm. As ever, patrons travelling to Croke Park are advised by An Garda Síochána to utilise public transport and park and ride facilities. Umbrellas are also advised.

Other events around the country include the Birr Vintage Week and Arts Festival. Featuring craft markets, art exhibitions, busking and a parade, the weekend highlight will be the 7pm arrival of vintage cars in Emmet Square.

Gardaí will be in action at the Bray Summer Festival where members of the local community policing team will try to break the record for the most people to polish a car simultaneously.

On the other side of the country the Brian Ború Triathlon takes place in Killaloe, Co Clare, on Saturday afternoon and is expected attract some 400 hardy athletes despite the gloomy outlook.

The 138th Dublin Horse Show, which continues at the RDS Arena in Dublin until Sunday evening, will not be the only destination of choice for the equestrian set as racing takes place at Kilbeggan on Saturday and at the Curragh Racecourse on Sunday.

While leaves won't start to fall for quite a while yet, Met Éireann has predicted cooler temperatures with heavy rain “across all areas”, and those planning on attending outdoor events are advised to be prepared.