Munster sports fans urged to pre-book rail tickets ahead of weekend clashes

MUNSTER sports fans planning to travel to the capital by train this weekend were last night urged to pre-book their tickets.

Iarnród Éireann said several key services from Cork and Kerry have already been sold out as thousands of fans head to Dublin for a bumper weekend of sport.

Croke Park will host a string of top-flight games on Saturday andSunday involving teams from Cork and Kerry. And coupled with the International Horse Show, seats on trains are at a premium.

Cork’s minor footballers meet Derry on Saturday before the Dublin v Derry senior football semi-final.

On Sunday, Tipperary meet Kilkenny in minor hurling and Kerry play Monaghan in the senior football. Limerick play Waterford in senior hurling later. As a result, several train services have been booked out.

On Sunday for example, the 6.55am Killarney to Dublin train, the 7.15am Tralee-Mallow-Dublin train, the 7.40am Mallow to Dublin, the 8.30am and 10.30am Cork to Dublin trains, the 6.30pm Dublin to Tralee service are all sold out.

The 7pm Dublin to Cork, the 7.10pm and 7.55pm Dublin to Tralee trains, the 8.10pm Dublin to Mallow service and the 9pm Dublin to Cork services are also sold out.

“Intending passengers should purchase their rail ticket online at www.irishrail.ie or in advance through Iarnród Éireann’s telesales number 021-4557185,” said company spokesman Andrew Roche.

“While trains operate every hourbetween Cork and Dublin, it is still advisable to reserve your seat in order to avoid any disappointment at not being able to travel on the train of your choice. Therefore, all intending passengers are being asked to book their rail ticket or reserve their seats inadvance if travelling by rail to Dublin over this weekend.”