GAA fans gather for All-Ireland final

Thousands of GAA fans were descending on Dublin today for the All-Ireland final between Kerry and Cork.

It is a showdown pundits are relishing and marks the latest chapter in the neighbours’ long-standing rivalry.

The game is the 13th championship clash between the counties this decade.

Since 2001, they have met three times in the semi-finals and on each occasion Kerry came out on top.

Fans have been getting ready for the big event all week, with some moved to extremes to secure their team good luck, such as the Kerry farmer who painted his cattle, sheep and geese green and gold.

Setanta Sports announced that for the first time the game will be aired in South Africa, in addition to its coverage in Britain, North America, Canada, Australia, the Caribbean and across Europe.

Gardaí have issued a traffic warning for the Croke Park area, advising motorists that restrictions will be put in place and special parking will be set up.

There will be two supervised car parks at Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, with access via Lower Drumcondra Road and O’Connell School, Richmond Street North, with access via North Circular Road.

Both car parks will open from 10.30am to cater for the minor final between Derry and Galway and motorists are advised to arrive in good time.