Leinster Rugby issue urgent warning to fans ahead of URC quarter-final clash against the Scarlets
URC quarter-final showdown
against the
Scarlets
at the
Aviva Stadium
this weekend are being warned of
major rail disruption
.
2
Leinster face Scarlets at Aviva tomorrow in the URC last-eight
2
Travel disruptions will be in place at the venue - Leinster have urged fans to travel early
And fans have been urged to get the the stadium early as travel disruptions are set to wreak havoc.
There will be no DART service between Connolly and Dún Laoghaire due to planned Irish Rail engineering works - throwing a travel spanner into the
A whopping 11 city and suburban stations will be closed, including key stops like Lansdowne Road, Grand Canal Dock, Pearse, Tara Street and more.
In a statement shared on social media, Leinster Rugby confirmed that fans should plan ahead and allow extra time, with delays expected.
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The following stations will be shut all weekend:
Tara Street, Pearse, Grand Canal Dock, Lansdowne Road, Sandymount, Sydney Parade, Booterstown, Blackrock, Seapoint, Salthill and Monkstown.
While DART trains will still run from Malahide and Howth to Connolly, and from Dún Laoghaire to Bray and Greystones, anyone relying on stations in the affected zone will need to make alternative plans.
There is some good news.
Most read in Rugby Union
Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland will accept valid rail tickets between closed stations, helping ease the blow.
Matchgoers can find full travel updates via Irish Rail or at this official webiste.
'Jack Crowley he's coming for you' jokes Peter O'Mahony's wife Jess as son practices his rugby skills
Leinster team to play Scarlets
Leinster:
Hugo Keenan; Jimmy O'Brien, Jamie Osborne, Jordie Barrett, James Lowe; Sam Prendergast, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Rónan Kelleher, Thomas Clarkson; Joe McCarthy, James Ryan; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan (capt).
Replacements:
Dan Sheehan, Jack Boyle, Rabah Slimani, RG Snyman, Max Deegan, Scott Penny, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley.
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Irish Times
8 hours ago
- Irish Times
Meet the 32-strong Ireland squad heading to the Rugby World Cup
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Photograph: INPHO/ Ben Brady Anna McGann Club: Railway Union County: Westmeath Age: 26 Position: Outside centre Another Sevens recruit, McGann was unlucky to miss out on the Olympics due to injury. She came back to the 15s to score a hat-trick of tries against Italy in the Six Nations and touched down twice in the warm-up game against Canada. Ireland's Aoibheann Reilly in Belfast. Photograph: INPHO/ Ben Brady Aoibheann Reilly Club: Blackrock/Connacht County: Roscommon Age: 24 Position: Scrumhalf Two ACL injuries within nine months haven't prevented Reilly from returning to full strength and earning a spot on the plane to England. The Roscommon native has been part of the Sevens system since 2021 and got her first 15s cap in 2022, amassing a further 16 since. Ireland's Aoife Dalton during a warm-up match with England in Cork. 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Extra.ie
10 hours ago
- Extra.ie
How many of Ireland's Lions will make it to World Cup?
Irish players were hugely influential on the recent Lions tour but how many will be as central to Ireland's World Cup campaign in 2027? Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Keenan's was the most remarkable story of the 2025 Lions, recovering from savage illness to become the second Test hero. Had a bit of a dip after his Olympics sojourn but he has the right age profile to be a leader at Australia 2027 and his experience and security will be central to Ireland's ambitions. Age at next World Cup: 32 Prospects: Good Ireland's unluckiest Lion. Ringrose's form was excellent and deserved Test recognition until concussion issues intervened. His specialist outside centre skills are not easily replicated, and given his meticulous conditioning, his powers will be just as potent in 2027 – the only caveat here is further injury complications. Garry Ringrose. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 29 Prospects: Excellent Hansen possesses just the type of game-breaking qualities that could prove vital to Ireland ending their 40 years of World Cup pain. Not the biggest or fastest winger on the circuit, but the Connacht man has an eye for an opportunity that sets him apart and he will only be 29 in 2027. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Doubtful Lowe has unique power and distribution skills that no other Ireland wide man can emulate. However, the Leinster winger did not have his best tour and continues to be dogged by defensive insecurities as well as a lack of out and out speed. Lowe has been a key factor in Ireland's success under Farrell, but his age is against him and making the next World Cup looks a long shot. Age at next World Cup: 25 Prospects: Excellent Farrell spotted something in the Naas youngster from a long way out and Osborne has delivered – making the most of his unexpected Lions chance with a big, two-try performance. Age is not an issue and he brings the right combination of power and panache. Osborne's versatility adds to his appeal, but inside centre is his natural home and the No12 jersey should be his for the foreseeable future. Bundee Aki. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 37 Prospects: Unlikely Aki has done his adopted state some service over the years and had some big moments on this tour also – although his form did not merit elevation above Sione Tuipulotu and the last Test looked to be an outing too far. This feels like the right time for him to step off the international stage – it is vital that he does not impede succession plans in the midfield. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful The fact he will be 35 at the next tournament counts against him but Gibson-Park is so influential, there is an imperative to protect him over the next two years. Ireland have talented options at No9 in Craig Casey, Ben Murphy and Nathan Doak but, even though he may end up on the bench, Gibson-Park's nous needs to be retained if possible. Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent It is surprising his selection ahead of the irrepressible Ellis Genge did not cause more outrage among the sizeable English media contingent on the Lions tour. Not in peak form for Lions but remains massively influential in the Ireland pack and will be hitting his peak at the next World Cup. Age at next World Cup: 28 Prospects: Excellent Uniformly admired across the rugby globe with justifiable claims on the title of best hooker in the game. 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Farrell needs more like him, with Munster's Edwin Edogbo the best bet, and McCarthy will be a rallying figure for the foreseeable future. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful An exceptional player who, like Gibson-Park and Furlong, needs to be protected to ensure his presence in 2027. Even so, it will be a challenge given Beirne's attritional style and advancing years but the Munster back five star (inset) is a stand-out talent and remains key to Ireland's hopes. James Ryan. Pic: Steve Christo/Sportsfile Age at next World Cup: 31 Prospects: Excellent Was having a superb impact for the Lions until forced off with injury in the third Test. Should be hitting his peak at Australia 2027 and can be the Martin Johnson-esque fulcrum of the Irish pack. Age at next World Cup: 35 Prospects: Hopeful Another elite operator whose age is against him. Conan operates in the most contested area of the Ireland team but has the conditioning and the nous to stay in the mix, injuries allowing. 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The Irish Sun
15 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
‘Really amazing' – The huge playground in heart of Dublin city with swings set and slides – with food market once a week
And there is an art exhibit that happens once a week too FUN-TASTIC 'Really amazing' – The huge playground in heart of Dublin city with swings set and slides – with food market once a week TAKE a look at the popular Irish playground with a swing set, basket swings, a huge slide and an obstacle course - and it's smack right in the heart of the bustling capital. Located at Merrion Square in Dublin City, it is one of the finest Georgian garden parks in the area, surrounded by several notable buildings within the square. 6 Merrion Square Park is the ideal spot for a family day out 6 It has many beautiful flowerbeds Credit: Alamy 6 The locals widely love the play areas in the park Credit: Alamy Just a short walk from Pearse train station, which is frequently used by the DART and Rosslare Europort services, the playground and the surrounding area are the ideal day out spot for the family. The highlight for visitors is the large, restored play area with wooden and secured equipment - and it's open for the majority of the day all year round. The underrated spot has been praised as one of the best in Dublin by the locals, and it is based on the famous Oscar Wilde story The Selfish Giant. Oscar spent most of his life on Merrion Square, which sparked the council to dedicate the restored play area in his honour. Within the park, the equipment is wooden and there are two play areas for older kids and one for tots, ensuring that all kids won't be left out of the fun. For toddlers, the play area has two baby swings, a basket swing, a small slide and a balancing unit. While the older kids can enjoy using the two normal swings and the gigantic multiplay unit that symbolises the Giant of the garden. Parents can enjoy a lovely walk in the park that is full of gorgeous flower beds and sculptures, including the colourful statue of Oscar Wilde, after the kids are done playing at the play area. Throughout the park, there are loads of benches and picnic areas for the family to relax and eat their meals before moving on. Every Thursday, there is a lunchtime market in the park that runs from 11.30 to 2pm, offering a vast selection of delicious treats and lunches. And on Sundays, the park railings turn into an Open Air Art Gallery where several artists exhibit and sell their own works. In the area, there is the Natural History Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland, ensuring the visitors won't be stuck for things to do. And the best thing is that the history museum is free of entry, meaning you wouldn't have to pay a single dime for your little excursion with the family. RAVING REVIEWS Locals and visitors took to TripAdvisor and shared their thoughts on Merrion Square Park, with one person raving that adults can even have some fun as well. One person wrote: "Great park! Lots of natural beauty, landscape, sculptures, etc. "Very nice paths for walking and definitely a quiet place in the city. Very well maintained." Another person added: "Merrion Square and the park is a really great area. "The playground is by any standard really amazing. Well laid out and sizeable. Adults could have fun!" The third person said: "This playground fits in well to its surroundings as most of the fixtures are made from wood and it is placed in a spot in the park that is at its lowest so it's well protected. "It is covered in wood chippings so it's also environmentally friendly too." 6 The park is a dedication to Oscar Wilde 6 The play areas are inspired by the story The Selfish Giant Credit: Alamy
