All available return train tickets on the Cork to Dublin and Kerry to Dublin routes for the coming weekend have been sold out as thousands of Gaelic football followers prepare to travel to Croke Park for the semi-final clash between Cork and Kerry.
Normally, matches between the counties involve either Kerry supporters travelling to Cork or Cork supporters travelling to Kerry for Munster finals. However, while there is keen rivalry between the counties, no trouble is expected on the trains.
Demand for train tickets has far exceeded the supply, with over 14,000 tickets having been sold. Commuter trains, which are normally reserved for short journeys, will be supplementing the normal inter-city service.
On Sunday alone, 4,500 Cork and Kerry supporters are expected to travel to Dublin. The train tickets have been evenly allocated, with perhaps 70 more being made available to Cork supporters, according to Iarnród Éireann.
Control cards are required in addition to train tickets and there were long queues at the 11 outlets for ticket sales on Wednesday. More than 50,000 supporters are expected to attend the match in Croke Park.