Hector starts the celebrations Saturday's schedule

CROKE PARK has confirmed the programme schedule for Saturday evening's National Football League opener between Dublin and Tyrone - the game which also starts the 125th anniversary celebrations of the GAA.

The game will have a 7.30pm throw-in, but the programme of events will start at 6.30pm, introduced by television presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin.

U2 drummer Larry Mullen has produced the soundtrack for a lighting and fireworks display, incorporating a selection of contemporary and traditional Irish music, and will feature Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh's bilingual tribute to the GAA.

"The quality musical act together with an exciting game of football and also a specially designed lighting and fireworks spectacular promises to be a night to remember," said Jarlath Burns, the chairman of 125th anniversary committee. "So bring the whole family to mark this monumental moment in the GAA's history, and get to Croke Park early to experience the full programme of entertainment."

A limited number of tickets are still available, though stand tickets are almost sold out. Those still available can be purchased from the participating counties, on www.gaa.ie or from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has announced his panel for the upcoming league, starting with Saturday's game, and it includes his entire All-Ireland winning team of 2008. However, not all of them will be available for Saturday's starting line-up. Brian Dooher, Brian McGuigan, Pascal McConnell, Damien McCaul and Ciarán Gourley are injured, while Dermot Carlin is in Australia.

Five newcomers are also included: Gareth Devlin, Jason McAnulla, Aidan Cassidy, Seán O'Neill and Martin Swift.

CORK(NFL v Meath): A Quirke; M Shields, N O'Donovan, A Lynch; N O'Leary, G Canty,J Miskella; A O'Connor, P O'Neill; C McCarthy, F Goold, P Kelly; D Goulding, M Cussen, D O'Connor.

THE DEATHhas taken place of former Dublin footballer Simon Behan, who played corner forward on the Dublin team that won the All-Ireland senior title in 1963.

Behan was an equally distinguished player with his club, St Vincent's, with two of his brothers, Paddy and Mick, also playing football for Dublin.

SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE

6.30pm- Entertainment begins with Hector Ó hEochagáin.

7.30pm- NFL tie between Tyrone and Dublin.

8.10pm- Half-time show will feature Sharon Shannon & Mundy.

9pm- "Iconic moments" followed by lighting & firework show.