Match attendance up 53%

The attendances at last weekend's National Football and Hurling League finals has risen dramatically from last year.

In total, 68,945 attended Croke Park and Semple Stadium for the deciders - a 12-year high and a 53% rise on last year's combined attendance.

A crowd of 46,455 descended on Croke Park to watch Armagh defeat Wexford in the NFL Division One final and Monaghan overcome Meath in sensational fashion in the Division Two decider.

Meanwhile, 22,500 Kilkenny and Clare fans turned out at Semple Stadium last Monday to watch the Cats turn on the style against Anthony Daly's men. The attendance represented a 34% increase on last year's final.