On a week like this, it has been hard to turn our thoughts to the game ahead, and for the remainder of the week and beyond they will undoubtedly remain with the family and friends of the late Darragh Doherty.
But this is a massive occasion for our county and on Sunday, more than ever, this Mayo team will be looking to do him and themselves proud as we face into an All-Ireland semi-final for the fifth year running. Truly these are glory days for and this Sunday versus the mighty Dubs, while it will undoubtedly be laced with poignancy has the potential to be the biggest and loudest day we have ever witnessed in Croke Park to date.
Vs
If there was ever a day to stand up and be counted as supporters, this is it.
If there was ever a day to empty your lungs in support of our boys, THIS IS IT.
It’s time for us to play our part once again. The Dubs are loud; and in all likelihood, we will be outnumbered. We need to work harder. Let no silence fall during this game. If we lead, we cheer. If we fall behind, we cheer louder. Be the best Mayo supporters we can be. Bring the colour, and bring the noise. It’s time to be the 16th man.
Being The 16th (And 17th) Man
As is now customary, here is our usual round-up of info on how to get there. We noticed that the sound people in the Western People have taken a leaf from our book this week and done their own essential matchday guide and we are very flattered altogether but we’ve a bit more info below that might be useful. If you have any other info you think people should know, get in touch.
Getting there
Driving
As we always say, leave on time … leave yourself plenty of time for the breakfast in Rathowen!
The Longford Marathon takes place in Longford (unsurprisingly), on Sunday, and Main Street in Longford will remain closed from 10-4pm. The N4/N5 bypass will remain open, but with potentially heavier volumes of traffic.
Don’t forget your change for the toll bridge. When nerves are fraught it may just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Many a marriage has run into difficulty under the e-toll sign in Enfield. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Don’t forget either to stop into Feerick’s in Rathowen for a hearty breakfast. In what is now a match day tradition Mid West Radio will be broadcasting on the morning of the game.
Parking
Mater Car Park: Sunday’s special offer is available at the Mater Car Park; the closest official car park to the stadium, with all day parking available for only €10 and it can be booked online here. Fans are advised to book early for this weekend to avoid disappointment.
Q-Park: Park for up to 24 hours on match-day in Q-Park Clerys for only €8. Or park in Q-Park Usher’s Quay for €4 upon presentation of a match day ticket. The Match-Day offer is for GAA matches only and does not cover concerts or other events in Croke Park.
Park Rite: All day parking on event days is available at Park Rite locations across the city centre for €5 for match day patrons upon production of your match ticket. Locations and pre-booking here.
Clonliffe College: The Clonliffe College car park is situated 5 minutes from Croke Park Stadium. Parking is available for just €10 on match days. The car park has 2000 spaces, including 100 disabled spaces and is accessible via Drumcondra Road Lower.
If this is your car, leave early. Like, now.
Buses
Here are some bus companies that will be travelling to the match on Sunday. If you know of any more, please let us know and we will add them in here. Call to book your seat in advance if you haven’t already, we don’t want to see any of you lot thumbing up the N5.
Michael Moran Bus Hire 087 2330097 Westport > Castlebar.
Fred Queenan Bus Hire 086 8656449
Treacy Coaches Bus Hire Ballina 096 22563
Lavin Coaches Kiltimagh 086 8676737
Michael Griffin Bus Hire 094 9252156 Swnford Leaving the Gateway Hotel @8am
Trains
Irish Rail have announced extra services to Dublin to cover the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final on Sunday 30th August. There will be three extra trains with one departing from Ballina and the other two from Westport. Booking on www.irishrail.ie is essential to secure your train ticket.
The following additional services have been added to accommodate supporters travelling to/from the match:
08:25hrs Wesport – Dublin
08:45hrs Wesport – Dublin
09:05hrs Ballina – Dublin
18:20hrs Dublin – Westport
19:10hrs Dublin – Ballina
19:20hrs Dublin – Westport
To book these services please click on this link, but do so soon as they are expected to sell out.
For extra matchday fun, when you reserve your seat you can opt to have your name displayed overhead. We wonder how many Willie Joe Paddens will be travelling this weekend …
Best use of the reserved seating function we’ve seen yet
Just pray this name doesn’t appear beside yours
Other Stuff
Tickets
Ticket demand for the semi final match between Mayo and Dublin are at All-Ireland final levels! Anyone with a season tickets that was lucky enough to avail of the offer to buy 4 extra “bring a friend” tickets on their account were very lucky as this offer sold out in less than 24 hours! Tickets on ticketmaster and from Supervalu also sold out within days. All the clubs in Mayo will be struggling to cater for all the tickets requested and will only be able to issue about 80% of tickets ordered. Hopefully there will be more allocated to clubs later in the week in the second allocation.
Anyone without tickets on the day of the match could try the Croke Park ticket offices. One is located on Dorset Street upper and another is located on the North Circular Road opposite Gills Pub. Otherwise, if you do find yourself with a spare ticket and no takers (a highly unlikely scenario!) you could give us a shout as we have been inundated with messages looking for tickets.
Pre Match Meet-Up
Traditonally, Willie Joe over on Mayo GAA Blog organises the now-customary pre-semi Saturday night meet-up in Bowes pub on Fleet Street. As a mark of respect, however, given the week that’s in it, it will not be going ahead this year. Here’s hoping we have a pre-final meetup to look forward to instead, however.
On the day, because of the crowd volumes, it’s unlikely that there will be access to our usual haunt in the Croke Park Hotel for ticket-holders other than those who are in the Hogan Stand, so there will be no Club ’51 pre-match meet-up on the day.
Social Stuff
Everleigh Garden on Harcourt Street (who once famously refused entry to Aidan O’Shea – sorry lads, too funny not bring up) are offering free entry with a Mayo jersey this weekend and also have competitions galore over on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
DTwo nightclub, also on Harcourt St are offering free entry with county colours before midnight and are having a pre-match party on Saturday night featuring Wesht of Ireland “gyp-hop”band The Latchikos (they’re class). Mention to Steven on the night that you’re part of Club ’51 and he says he’ll look after you (whatever that means – we reckon it definitely means a few free pints. Right Steven?)
If you don’t want a sore head for Sunday Willie Joe over on Mayo GAA blog has details of two great sporting events, one on each side of the river in this post.
Season Ticket Holders Lounge
The season ticket holders lounge is a new initiative from Croke Park for season ticket holders. You can pre-purchase dinner vouchers through the “Special Purchases” section in your season ticket account. You have until midday today (Wednesday 26th August) to avail of the offer. The adult menu costs €15 and U-16 menu costs €10.
“We are continuing our new offering for Season Tickets Holders for this All Ireland Football Championship Semi Finals in the form of a Season Ticket Lounge at Section 401. This is an area with tables exclusively reserved for Season Ticket holders who avail of this Special Purchase option. Service time is from when stiles open until the start of the second match.”
Match previews
For those of you at home on Sunday, the Sky Sports panel preview the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Dublin and Mayo live on Sky Sports 3 on Sunday 30th August at 3.30pm: Mayo v Dublin preview
The Mayo News have their usual pre-match podcast online, featuring Sports Editor Mike Finnerty, Mayo ladies footballer Fiona McHale, and Castlebar Mitchels manager Declan O’Reilly with host Rob Murphy.
MidWest Radio will have their traditional pre-match preview show on Thursday night from 10pm.
And Off The Ball have an interview with Pearce Hanley on life down under:
Can’t make the game? No problem!
Mayo Movie World in Moneen, Castlebar are showing the match for free in HD – drop into the cinema to book your ticket.
Replay Details (!!)
If (god forbid!) the game ends in stalemate and there is a replay, this will be held in Croke Park (yes, in Croke Park) on the evening of Saturday 5th September.
#13forNo13
You will probably have seen this online already, but if not, former Mayo great David Brady has suggested that Mayo supporters in Croke Park on Sunday pay tribute to the late Darragh Doherty, who wore the no.13 jersey, by way of a massive round of applause in the 13th minute of the game. The idea has been widely shared and supported and in a reminder that solidarity transcends sporting rivalry within the GAA family, most of the Dublin supporters’ groups have also come on board to lend their support to the initiative.
Please share and spread the word to all Mayo supporters who may not be online, and let us raise the roof for our fallen brother.
Bring the Noise …
What more can we say? Bring your flags, (even one flag per car makes a MASSIVE difference) your voices, your hearts and souls and let’s bring that infamous Mayo Roar back to Croke Park. This is it!
Maigh Eo Abú!
Mayo v Dublin All Ireland Semi Final 2015 Match Programe
Elvery’s Pre Match Promotional Advertisment
Here’s the advertisment from Elvery’s the week before the match which Mayo Club 51 took part in filming. #SpineTingling
We’re off on our travels again, this time to Páirc Úi Rínn in the “People’s Republic of Cork”! The last time Mayo played Cork (it was in Páirc Úi Caoimh) was back in 2013 in round 7 of the league (where we won by a point, 0-10 to 0-11). Who remembers Cillian’s 2 cracking frees from each of the sidelines? Mayo Club ’51 will of course be making the long journey south, some of us will be travelling down on Saturday and others on Sunday morning.
Please note that the game throws in at the earlier time of 2 pm (which, by the way will be summertime as the clocks go forward an hour on Saturday! So don’t be late for the match or Mass either!). The referee for this match will be Eddie Kinsella, who will hopefully have a good day at the office! Tickets for this match will also be slightly dearer at €20 (because of the hurling). Make sure to avail of the €5 discount by purchasing before the day.
Some of the Mayo faithful getting ready to hit the road. They do this for every game, you know
Getting There and Parking
Getting to Páirc Úi Rínn isn’t too difficult. Anyone that has been to Páirc Úi Caoimh before, it is only about half a mile away. Follow our map below from the City centre.
Parking however is not as plentiful as it is around Páirc Úi Caoimh (as limited as that is!). It is all mostly on- street parking around Páirc Ú Rínn so if you’re planning on driving get there early or you’ll have a bit of a trek on your hands and a traffic jam getting out.
Bus Travel
There’s a bus leaving from Shrule/Glencorrib on Sunday – contact Tom Sheridan on 087 925 6326 for details.
Our friends in the The Sea Rod Inn Doohoma are organising their customary bus on the day, leaving at 7.30 am – Call Barrett Coaches on 097 83544 for details.
We’ve no knowledge of anyone organising a bus from Dublin though we’ve been contacted by a few people enquiring about same. If you’re interested in organising a bus or travelling on one, or indeed doing some car pooling, please leave a comment below.
Accomodation
Most people traveling down to Cork the day before will have already booked accommodation. However if you haven’t booked yet, you might still be in luck! A Mayo supporter has informed us that they have an apartment available for this Saturday night in Cork. It sleeps 6 and is €250 for the night. If you are interested, or if you know anyone who may be, drop us a line and hopefully you’ll be sorted out!
On the Town
If there are any of you planning on travelling to Cork on Saturday, we will be having the now customary Club ’51 meetup in the Mutton Inn on Mutton Lane, beside the English Market. Visit their page here; https://www.facebook.com/mutton.lane/info?tab=overview
Anyone that likes some “Blues” music, you won’t be disappointed in Cork! We’ve been told there’s a great band called “The Watermelons” playing in Charlies Bar, 2 Union Quay on Saturday night that are well worth a listen!
Philip Gillivan from Westport has a pub in MacCurtain St Cork called the Shelbourne Bar. Anyone on match day before or after the match who is wearing a Mayo Jersey/t shirt and producing a match ticket will get a free pint of Heineken. Up Mayo!
Taxis :
Cork Taxi – 6, Washington Street West, Cork. Phone: (021) 4-27-22-22
Douglas Street Cabs – 105 Douglas Street Cork. Phone: (021) 484 7600
Yellow Cabs– 3 Courthouse Street Cork. Phone: (021) 487 7777
As it’s an away game, the more colour we can bring, the better. And the more noise we can make, the better. We’ll be giving our banners and flags another good airing this year, so help us out, bring your own and let’s make that stand a noisy sea of green and red.
We’re off on our travels again, this time to Celtic Park in Derry at the other end of the Island. The last time we played Derry in Celtic Park was back in 2010 in round 4 of the league (where we won by a goal, 2-12 to 1-12). Mayo Club ’51 will of course be making the journey north, some of us will be travelling up on Saturday and others on Sunday morning. The game throws in at 2.30pm and the referee is Ulsterman Ciaran Branagan, who will hopefully have a good day at the office!
This isn’t actually our car, despite its regular appearance on this website. If this is your car, get in touch!
Getting There and Parking
Celtic Park, Derry. Green and red, a grand-looking spot
We’ll leave you to find the ground using our map below, but by all accounts it’s easy to get to. Parking is not too bad at all around Celtic Park – there is plenty of on-street parking within walking distance. No concerns there whatsoever! This is all sounding very easy.
Anyone travelling in from the Letterkenny side will come in by the Brandywell, home of Derry City Football Club which is located beside Celtic Park. There is parking along this area. People travelling through Strabane will come in towards the city centre but turn left at the first bridge across the Foyle. You will come down by the Bogside.
If coming via Dublin you will arrive on the other side of the river. Cross the Craigavon bridge then at the end take a left, you can then travel to the lights, a left turn or straight on will give you a space near the ground.
Bus Travel
Our friends in the The Sea Rod Inn Doohoma are organising their customary bus on the day – contact Barrett Coaches 09783544 or Sean MC on 0851698851 for details.
Corduff Travel will be leaving from Westport and have package deals – contact them on 097 88949.
TMG Transport will be leaving Swinford,(details to follow) – contact them on 094 9044534.
There’s a bus leaving from Shrule/Glencorrib on Sunday too – contact Tom Sheridan on 087 925 6326 for details.
We’ve no knowledge of anyone organising a bus from Dublin though we’ve been contacted by a few people enquiring about same. If you’re interested in organising a bus or travelling on one, or indeed doing some car pooling, please leave a comment below. Otherwise the 6am from Busáras is your best bet (there’s a 10am too that arrives in Derry at 2pm but you may be cutting it fine …). Timetable here.
Accomodation
Most people traveling up to Derry the night before will have already booked accommodation. However if you haven’t booked yet, you might still be in luck! We have found this site here offering discounts to travelling supporters, Derry GAA Hotel Offers – quote “Visit Derry GAA 2015″ at time of booking.
Our spies have informed us that The Drummond Hotel in Ballykelly which is about 13 miles from Derry are doing a special rate for Mayo supporters too.
And the Waterfoot Hotel is a nice spot with a few Mayo heads already booked in.
On the town
If there is anyone staying in Limavady on the Saturday night make sure to call into Frank Owens’ Bar on Main Street, wherethey will have music and a FREE BBQ!! for all Mayo fans! Club 51 will be heading out from Derry in that direction along with what we hear half of Ballintubber and Claremorris, and it promises to be a great night. Visit their facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/frankowensbar.
For those of you heading for town, Granny Annie’s Bar is a good spot.
And if anyone is ringing from the Republic in advance to book then dial 048 instead of 028!
Sunday Meet-up
(This is the part you’ve been waiting for, right?)
We usually have our regular meet-up on the morning of a match. There are not many hostelries around Celtic Park, the Bogside Inn a ten-minute walk way is the closest and that’s where we’re heading. Doors are open from 11.30am (unlike in Newbridge last year, we actually checked!) and there will be red and green (and black and lime) jerseys congregating there from 12pm – be sure and join us. Map below:
Flags
As it’s an away game, the more colour we can bring, the better. And the more noise we can make, the better. We’ll be giving our banners and flags their first proper airing this year, so help us out, bring your own and let’s make that stand a noisy sea of green and red.
Safe travelling and see you there!
PS: A sincere thank you to the very sound Niamh Morley, Joe Passmore, Jarlath Eoin and Mayo GAA for the helpful information. We’ll be updating as we hear more so check back often!
Tom Parsons reaches for the ball as Mayo defeat a second-string Derry team in Castlebar in 2014. Andy Moran meanwhile has spotted a UFO over MacHale Park. Pic: MichaelMaye.com
Finally – finally! – the countdown is almost over. It’s time to check the tyres and top up the oil in anticipation of the long trip to Killarney. It’s been a long winter – long than we’ve become accustomed to in recent years – but the competitive inter-county season is about to throw in at last. Sunday 2pm in Fitzgerald Park is the one we’ve been waiting for as Mayo travel to take on All-Ireland champions (it still sticks in the craw a bit, doesn’t it?) Kerry in their back yard. But a new year is a new year and forward we must look.
As competitive fare goes, this game is unlikely to reveal much in terms of prospects for the year ahead, due to the fact that both teams are missing a number of key players, but what’s really important is the points that are at stake. To take two points from the Kingdom from under their own roof would make for a satisfying start to the year, so Killarney here we come, and here’s hoping our old reliables and our new young guns get a good run at it and make the road home a short one.
Club ’51 will also be making the trip south to this stunning part of the country (don’t tell them we said that) and will be aiming to claim a significant proportion of Fitzgerald Stadium for the green and red. Anecdotally, it appears that the Mayo faithful are hitting the road in huge numbers this weekend, so if you’re looking for a place to lay your head, get on it ASAP otherwise you’ll be kipping in the back of the car. If you’re doing a day trip, amid warnings of unsettled weather over the next few days, be sure to plan ahead and leave in plenty of time -and arrive alive and unfrazzled. And for those of you doing the Ring of Kerry cycle on Saturday, may the wind be at your backs all the way, you mad yokes.
If this is your car, leave early. Like, tonight. (Pic: Balls.ie)
On The Day
In what is now becoming a time-honoured, revered and legendary tradition (a whole year old this weekend, in fact) Club ’51 will be assembling before the game in a local hostelry to mingle, give out about the weather and unanimously agree that Mayo is just as nice a spot as Kerry, we just don’t need to go on about it all the time. On the morning of the game, get yourselves to the Killarney Royal Hotel on College Street from 11.30am. Located only a ten-minute walk from Fitzgerald Stadium, we have it on good account that their hospitality is second to none. There is a traditional Irish lunch menu in the restaurant, or check out the bar/bistro menu where you can get bar food like soup, salads, burgers and sambos.
It’d look grand with a lick of green and red paint (Photo: Tripadvisor)
Parking Near The Ground
Parking is relatively easy, as Killarney has plenty of car parts in the town centre,none of which are a lengthy walk (15-20 mins max) to the stadium. The car parks on Lewis Road or beside Killarney Public Library (on the N71) are the closest, so if you want the handier option (or if it’s raining), get in there early before the locals take all the good spots.
The Night Before
For those of you travelling down the night before, you’re in for a treat as Killarney is always a great spot for a few sociable beverages. On the Saturday evening from 9pm, some of the Mayo faithful will be convening in Tatler Jack on Plunkett St. (right in the heart of town) so do drop in if you’re feeling the bit of thirst. Tatler Jack is of course notable for featuring as it does some jerseys of the hallowed green and red, namely those of Gabriel Irwin and the mighty Willie Joe Padden. So therefore it’s practically a Mayo pub and you should feel right at home. Get practicing your “yerras” well in advance and if you meet any Kerry people on your travels be sure to assure them that we’ll barely manage to keep it kicked out to them. Nothing like getting in some mind game practice well in advance of the championship.
Last But Not Least …
That should be all you need to get you set for the weekend. Only one thing remains and that is a reminder to get behind our lads. None of us have forgotten Limerick, and if ever there was a time a team deserved a strong show of support, this is it. When our lads appear on the pitch, don’t be shy, don’t hold back but cheer for them like you’ve never cheered before. It might only be the first game in the League, but it marks the start of an another long road for this team, so let’s row in behind them and just like in Croke Park last August, be the 16th man again. Bring a flag, claim the stand and make them wonder in Kerry if they took a wrong turn and ended up on McHale Road.
And most of all stand tall and be proud of the green and red – our colours – and all they stand for as we look to the year ahead.
MAIGH EO ABÚ!
PS: A sincere thank you to our Kerry informants Caroline and Jerry for the helpful information – we won’t tell a soul!
No matter which way you look at it, it’s pretty fair to say that the good old GAA has shafted us a bit this time out by packing ourselves and Kerry off to Limerick for the replay of the All-Ireland semi-final. In a decision that has angered pretty much everyone but Liam “Get On With It” O’Neill (who just couldn’t resist getting personal when Mayo raised objections), both sets of supporters are set for an almighty scramble for both tickets and car parking next Saturday. Plenty has been said about the decision, but we’re now at a point where protest is pointless, and our focus now needs to turn very firmly to getting behind the team at 5pm on Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds.
With that in mind, and also bearing in mind it’s not a ground most Mayo supporters are likely to be familiar with, we have once again pulled together some information for you on how to get there and where to park (if you’re driving). What we can’t help you with is getting out of Limerick after the game, but we’d strongly recommend you have a full tank of petrol and a mixtape at the ready ‘cos those tailbacks are going to be some craic on 8pm on Saturday night.
Anyway, here goes:
Travelling by Car?
If you’re taking the car, we have two magic words for you. Leave early! There’s no two ways about it – traffic will be chaotic, especially on the Mayo side. So leave yourself plenty of time. And consider car pooling as much as possible to cut down both on your costs and the traffic burden!
There will be two major bottlenecks – Claregalway and Clarinbridge. The former is difficult to get through on any day of the week. To avoid it, you can do the following:. Take the left turn just before the Mystical Rose Nursing Home, Knockdoe. Cross over the main Roscommon Road and continue for about 1.5 miles. Take a right at Cregmore school and you’ll exit onto the N18 close to Carnmore Cross. Roads are narrow here, so take care.
As for Clarinbridge, if you head out the old Dublin road, you can take the right turn for Kilcolgan at Craughwell – the roads aren’t great, but it’s an option to avoid that particular bottleneck.
Update:ROAD SAFETYWARNING Thanks to Angela Coll for this information – Will you let your supporters know that are driving to Limerick please note the following: On the Gort to Limerick motorway (Ennis bypass) the road between Exit 15 (Crusheen) and Exit 14 (Barefield), that when the road is wet (as it possibly will be this weekend) it is very dangerous stretch of motorway with numerous accidents. Clare Co Co have asked the NRA to investigate why there are always accidents on that stretch of road when it’s raining Please please slow down for that 15 minute stretch of road… Arrive alive!
Update:There’s a fair on in Clarinbridge too, so if you are travelling through, be prepared for delays.
UPdate: Castlegar GAA is organising 100k Steps for Cormac in aid of Pieta House which is starting at 1.30pm and will be passing through Clarinbridge.
Follow the road down from Ennis (N18), pass Bunratty Castle on your left
Leave the N18 at junction 4, then at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the R445 (signposted Limerick City Centre)
At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Ennis Road – R445
And at the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Ennis Road – R445 (signposted Limerick).
Continue forward onto Ennis Road – R445
At Coonagh Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Ennis Road – R445 (signposted City Centre, Dublin N7)
At traffic signals continue forward onto Ennis Road – R857
The Gaelic Grounds will be on your left.
Coming from Dublin isn’t too bad – it’s motorway the whole way – so when you get to Limerick, stay on the motorway and just follow the signs for Galway until you see the sign for Thomond Park/Gaelic Grounds on your left.
Parking is difficult, as there is very little near the ground. We have been advised that parking in housing estates is not wise -there is a danger of clamping so best to stick to the official (or indeed, unofficial) car parks, listed below:
Car Parks In Limerick
Arthurs Quay car park: Sunday 10am to 8pm.
Aviary car park: 24hrs. Dock Sd behind Domino’s Pizza.
Barringtons car park: 7am to 7pm. Sheep St, beside Barringtons hospital.
City Centre car park: Thomas St.
Cornmarket Square car park: Upper Denmark St.
Ellen St car park: Ellen St.
Euro Car park: Charlotte’s Quay.
Howley’s multi story car park: Henry St.
Q-Park car park: Denmark St.
Q-Park Harvey’s Quay: Henry St.
Steamboat Quay car park: Steamboat Quay, Dock Rd.
Summer Street Car Park: Summer St.
The Potato Market car park: Merchant’s Quay.
Also consider the Jetland Shopping Centre car park (Dunnes/Woodies) on the Ennis Road (take the exit for Caherdavin),
Tesco at Coonagh Crossjust off the Ennis Road – both are 10-15 minutes walk to the ground.
Update:Na Piarsaigh GAA club is located close (1km) to the Gaelic Grounds and is opening up their parking (and bar) facilities. There are roughly 50 spaces – first come, first served.
Update: Limerick Institute of Technology on Cratloe Rd, will be open for parking (at a fee) from approximately 2pm on Saturday. LIT Campus is a 3 – 5 minute walk from the Gaelic Grounds.
Update:Limerick Camogie are opening a car park at Coonagh – €5 parking
Update:Shannon RFC will have limited secure parking in Thomand Park which is 10 min walk from the Gaelic Grounds. The bar in the clubhouse will be open for the day.
Here are the car park locations in Limerick in relation to the Gaelic Grounds (click on map to view full screen)
Car parks near the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.
Other things to note:
Update: The Limerick Pride Parade takes place at 2pm on Saturday in the city and there will be rolling road closures along the route from 1.30pm. It’ll be a riot of colour and fun so if you’re in the city be sure to try and catch it.
Update:UL Graduation Ceremonies are also taking place over the weekend, so there is likely to be some extra traffic around the city there too.
Update: We have it on good authority that Corrib Oil in Gort are offering free tea/coffee for drivers with their Mayo colours on- another reason to festoon yourselves in green and red!
Update: No need to worry about the road works between Ardrahan and Kilcolgan – Galway County Council have confirmed that the road will be fully open.
Update:Traffic notice from Limerick City Council: “Limerick City & County Council wish to advise Motorists, Road Users and Match Attendants (sic) that local traffic and parking prohibitions and road closures will operate on the Ennis Road (R857) and adjacent to the Gaelic Grounds on the Ennis Road, Limerick from 2pm on Saturday 30th August 2014. Match attendants are strongly advised to travel early and to park on and off street in and adjacent to the city centre and to allow ample time to walk to the Gaelic Grounds. Special off street match parking tariffs including overnight parking will be available at city centre car parks. Match attendants are advised that obstructive vehicle parking will be subject to tow away operations.
Park & Ride In Limerick
This is a facility run by Limerick Park and Ride (Mike Hynan Coaches) where you can leave your car at a hotel and get a shuttle bus to the Gaelic Grounds – handy if you don’t want the hassle of finding parking near the grounds. Parking is free at all three hotels, and seats on the buses are allocated on a first come, first served basis – so again, get there early, grab a bite to eat and hop on.
For those of you coming from Mayo direction, the Radisson Hotel service on the Ennis Road will start at 2pm. Cost: €6 return.
For those coming from Dublin, the Kilmurry Lodge Hotel Dublin Rd. from 2pm, return straight after match. Cost: €6 return
And for those of you making the trip from the south,Woodlands House Hotel Adare leaves at 3pm, return straight after match. But beware, you’re likely to be outnumbered by the Yerras! Cost: €10 return.
Please Note: Wheelchair accessible transport must be pre-booked – you can call Hynan Coaches on 061 381700 or email them here.
Update: Durty Nelly’s Park and Ride
This sounds like something else altogether, but lest there be any doubt, it’s a pub, offering transport to the game! There will be buses leaving Durty Nelly’s Pub at Bunratty Castle from 2.30 to 3.30pm, dropping off at Ivan’s, close to the Gaelic Grounds, and pick-up at the designated area. Price: €15 return and this includes a main course (Burger & Chips, Fish & Chips or Cajun Chicken). No booking is required, and the meal can be claimed before or after the game. Tickets for the park and ride service on sale in Durty Nelly’s on the day.
Update: Park and Ride from the City Centre:
Bus Eireann are running shuttle buses from the Limerick Bus Station on Parnell St. and from Henry St (near Dunnes Stores). These will run from approx. 2pm.
Travelling by Bus?
Please note: There are lots of private operators departing on Saturday and offering good deals direct to Limerick. Mayo Club ’51 strongly advises that you contact the bus operators directly first to book and confirm times of departure.
From Mayo:
TMG Transport : Leaving The Gateway Swinford Contact 094 9252156 or 087-8505045
Corduff Travel : travelling from Belmullet & Ballina. Contact 097-88949
Update: Lavan Coaches Kiltimagh – Buses departing from Post Office, Kiltimagh at 1pm and returning after the game. Booking essential – contact 086 867 6737 or 087 260 8852.
Update: Moran’s Coaches, Ballyhaunis – leaving the Square in Ballyhaunis at 11.45am, €15 return. Booking advised – call 094 9630346.
Update: Melletts Bus Swinford – Leaving Melletts pub Swinford at 11am sharp, booking advised, only 8 seats left – call 087 2573752.
Bus Eireann – best to give them a call about Expressway services, or check out their timetables online.
If you’re aware of any other operators going from Mayo, please get in touch with details and we’ll add them in.
From Dublin:
Dublin Coach– departs hourly from D’Olier St from 06.45 daily, and returns hourly on the half hour from Limerick City Centre (Arthur’s Quay) until for €20 return, but the last bus leaves at 20.45.
JJ Kavanagh Coaches – depart frequently from Dublin – but again, you won’t get the last bus on Saturday as it leaves at 17.15. Call 0818 333222 for details.
From Carrick-on-Shannon:
Bus leaving from Carrick-on-Shannon early on Saturday morning. Call Mary Keenan on 0872073633 for further details.
Travelling By Train?
Train transport down the west coast isn’t exactly the best, but there are options.. Don’t even attempt to go from Mayo by train, but from other places, it might be worth considering. Irish Rail are offering special fares on their website as follows:
From €5.99* each way from Galway, Oranmore and Athenry
From €9.99* each way from Banteer
From €10.99* each way from Milstreet and Rathmore
From €11.99* each way from Killarney
From €12.99* each way from Farranfore
From €13.99* each way from Tralee
From €14.99* each way from Dublin
Update: Extra Train to the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final Replay in Limerick
Depart Galway 12.15hrs
Oranmore: 12.24hrs
Athenry: 2.35hrs
Arr. Limerick 14.04hrs
Return train departs Limerick at 20.25hrs (8.25pm)
There is free parking in Oranmore Train Station for those who take the train (140 spaces). If any of you do decide to take the train, and manage to avail of the fares above, let us know!
Book on this page.
Travelling By Air?
Bringing your own plane? Hey, there’s always one! If you are planning on bringing your private jet, give these guys a call!
Staying Overnight?
We hate to break it to you, but you’ve left it a bit late to sort out your accommodation if you want to stay in Limerick on Saturday night. You’ll be doing well to find somewhere to lay your head at this point, especially as half of Croke Park had their beds booked from their smartphones before leaving the ground on Sunday, but other options worth considering are breaking the journey and stopping off in Ennis or Galway and making a night of it.
Gaelic Grounds seating plan(click on map to view full screen)
Gaelic Grounds Seating Plan
Tickets
If you haven’t got a season ticket, or obtained one through your club, there are still some available online here, for collection at the Gaelic Grounds – but you’ll need to move quickly. If you’re looking to buy, sell, or swap, use our ticket swap forum on our website (you’ll need to register first). Alternatively, contact us on Twitter or Facebook and we’ll do our best to help you out,.
If there’s anything we haven’t included here, get in touch with us and we’ll add it in. If you have time, do try and get to see a bit of Limerick City, and we’d highly recommend the famous Milk Market on Mungret St. for a wander and a bite to eat before the game (it’s open from 8am – 3pm).
Getting Home
MAKE SURE YOU USE THE BATHROOM. We cannot emphasise this enough.
Heading back to Mayo, we’ve been told that the Cratloe road (past LIT) is a good rat run – at Cratloe you can get back onto the N18. Narrow road in parts, so please be careful.
Anything else?
Once again, don’t forget your colours – display them with pride. Warm up the voices to replicate the fierce support you gave the team last Sunday.
And for God’s sake don’t forget the tae and sangwidges.
And as always, Bring the Colour and Bring the Noise!
Alternative transport to Croke Park this Sunday 24th of August.
As you probably know by now, there is threatened industrial action by Iarnród Éireann workers this weekend the 24th & 25th of August. This makes transport to Croke Park this Sunday all the more difficult for travelling supporters, both from Mayo and Kerry. Services affected include Intercity, DART and commuter routes.
If you are intending on driving to Croke Park next Sunday, please remember that there is very limited parking around the stadium. The area is monitored by Dublin City Council Parking Enforcement and illegally parked cars may be clamped or towed away. There are numerous car parks nearby however, including O’Connell School on the North Circular Road, Clonliffe College on Clonliffe Road, the Mater Hospital car park on Eccles street, just off Dorset Street. There are also plenty of city centre car parks, some of which run special offers on match days – just check out the link here:
Via Mayo GAA – Euro Car Parks Special Match Day Offer of €6 (Book in advance)
Euro Car Parks, Ireland’s leading car parking operator, today announced details of its €6 match day parking offer which will allow GAA fans travelling from Mayo and Kerry book their Croke Park car parking spaces in advance on www.eurocarparks.ie.
The new service is available at the Mater Car Park, the closest official car park to the stadium, with all day parking available for only €6. For many Mayo fans the victory over Cork in the quarter- final was marred by discovering their cars clamped when they left the stadium. The online booking service was launched two weeks ago and so far hundreds of GAA fans from all over the country have availed of the offer and booked on www.eurocarparks.ie.
Fans are advised to book early for this weekend to avoid disappointment as there are only 400 guaranteed spaces available.
If you are driving to the match this Sunday please also think about car pooling (and please feel free to post on our Facebook page or mention us on twitter using the hashtag #mayogaalifts if looking for or offering seats!). If driving it’s wise to allow plenty of time for travelling as there will be various delays on the road to Croke Park on Sunday (as if it wasn’t hard enough!)
The Ballaghderren by-pass is nearing completion and has traffic lights on both ends.
The annual Longford mini marathon will be taking place on Sunday morning and expect lengthy delays both sides of Longford town. Marathon will start at 8.30am with the wheelchair participants starting at 9.45am. The Marathon is due to finish at approx 4pm Sunday afternoon.
There will be road closures on the Chapelizod road in Dublin from 7am to 1pm on Sunday morning. (Thanks to @dochreidte for info)
Bus operators providing transport to Croke Park this Sunday 24th
Please note: There are lots of private operators departing on Sunday and offering good deals direct to Drumcondra. Mayo Club ’51 strongly advises that you contact the bus operators directly first to book and confirm times of departure.
TMG Transport : Leaving The Gateway Swinford @8 AM. Contact 094 9252156 or 087-8505045
Corduff Travel : travelling from Belmullet & Ballina. Contact 097-88949
If there’s anything we haven’t included here, get in touch with us and we’ll add it in.
Regardless of whether you’re driving, bus-ing, cycling, hitching or just good old-fashioned jet-packing it, be sure to have your colours on display en route and your voices in warm-up mode. And don’t forget the tae and sangwidges.
Safe travels to all of you making the journey and arrive alive!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptLearn More Here
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Irish Rail have announced extra services to Dublin to cover the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Final on Sunday 30th August. There will be three extra trains with one departing from Ballina and the other two from Westport. Booking on www.irishrail.ie is essential to secure your train ticket.
This is a facility run by
If you are intending on driving to Croke Park next Sunday, please remember that there is very limited parking around the stadium. 
Recent Comments