Thousands gather for Heineken Cup clash

Around 81,000 fans are descending on Dublin today for the Heineken Cup semi-final.

Severe traffic delays are expected as motorists make their way to Croke Park for the match, which gets underway at 5.30pm.

There are already delays of more than half an hour in Athy in Co Kildare and on the N8 in Abbeyleix and other parts of Laois and Tipperary.

Meanwhile, gardaí are warning fans that there will be restrictions in and around Croke Park this evening.

A cordon will be in place for an hour before and after the game and gardaí are advising people to arrive early, to use public transport if possible and not to park illegally.