Forecast of rainfall unlikely to dampen weekend of sports, music and arts

WHILE MET Éireann’s prediction of heavy rain and sometimes thundery showers will disappoint people, the upside is that there are plenty of events to choose from this weekend.

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 improve their game if they are to beat match favourites and 2008 All-Ireland winners Tyrone in this 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 take on Waterford in the pick of tomorrow’s two All- Ireland hurling semi-finals at GAA headquarters. Throw in is at 3.30pm. The minor game will have something of a 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 use public transport and park-and-ride facilities. 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. An Garda Síochána will be in action at the Bray Summer Festival this afternoon 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, this afternoon and is expected to attract some 400 hardy athletes despite the weather outlook.

The Irish U2 fan club is holding a benefit night in the Rob Roy Bar in Cobh tonight for the Children’s Leukaemia Association which is based in the Mercy Hospital, Cork. Various artists will play the music of U2.

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

While the predicted “autumnal feel” to this weekend’s weather won’t see leaves falling 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 well-prepared.