FANS have been warned to avoid using “dangerous and illegal” pyro as Gardai issued a traffic notice for the All-Ireland quarter-final between Meath and Galway.
The Royals and Tribesmen meet at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon looking to seal a place in the final four of the Sam Maguire.
On Saturday evening, Meath GAA posted a joint notice from An Garda Siochana and Croke Park Stadium Operations outlining guidance for matchgoing supporters.
It read: “The Gardai and Croke Park Stadium Operations have asked that supporters be mindful of the below information ahead of tomorrow’s GAA Football All-Ireland Quarter Final against Galway.
“Come early and enjoy the atmosphere, stiles open 90 minutes prior to the first game.
“Plan your journey in advance and leave plenty of time to arrive in the stadium. There are a number of other city events taking place.
“Where possible use public transport.
“Have your ticket downloaded in advance.
“Follow the instructions of Stewards and An Garda Siochana at all times”.
As well as instructions for how and when to get to GAAHQ, fans were also advised as to what to bring to the stadium or, more appropriately, what not to.
It added: “Supporters are reminded that flares and smoke cannisters are dangerous and illegal and are strictly prohibited.
“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“Remember Croke Park is in a residential area. Please Respect our neighbours.”
Meath and Galway will be looking to join Donegal – who beat Monaghan – and Tyrone – who vanquished Dublin – in the final four.
The final quarter-final will pit reigning champions Armagh against Kerry.
Heading into the weekend’s action, 1999 All-Ireland winning Meath legend Graham Geraghty ranked the quarter-finalists in his column for SunSport.
And Galway and Meath were difficult to separate, with the former Royals captain ranking Padraic Joyce’s side in eighth and his native county in seventh.
He said of Galway: “This one might raise eyebrows straight off the bat.
“And such are the fine margins at play, there will be no great surprise on my behalf if Galway are back at Croke Park in a fortnight.
“But for me, a Tribe side capable of blowing hot and cold are not as formidable as they were 12 months ago.
“When Shane Walsh does not catch fire, they tend not to function well as a unit.
“They have coped without Damien Comer, though the different dimension he can provide would be a huge asset for them.
“After losing an All-Ireland final by a point, the road to atonement is long and arduous.
“Both mentally and physically, there is a lot of mileage on the clock.”
‘SHACKLES ARE OFF’
As for Meath, Geraghty said: “Beating Galway is well within Meath’s capability. The Royals have excelled under the new rules and they have become a very confident outfit under Robbie Brennan.
“It is as if the shackles have been taken off, particularly for the younger players as they have really started to express themselves.
“Meath have done extremely well to persevere in the face of injuries to some important players.
“But that has left them a bit light on the bench.
“Losing Martin Corey and Joe McMahon from the backroom staff was a massive blow in March.
“Having since taken the scalps of Dublin and Kerry, the players should be commended hugely for the way they responded.”
