SPECTATORS attending Sunday’s Munster SHC final between Clare and Limerick have been encouraged to use alternative routes and allow for extra time on their journey to Thurles.
Throw-in for Sunday’s tie at Semple Stadium is 4pm. Supporters have been asked to arrive in plenty of time for this game.
Acting Superintendent, James White of Thurles Garda Station stated, “I want to appeal to all patrons attending these matches to be patient and allow sufficient time for their journey and to be guided by Gardai on Traffic Duty. I especially want to make the following appeal to all patrons attending the game – if you must park on the road ensure your car is turned for home, this is to ensure the minimum delay after the matches”.
Gardaí are appealing for supporters to use alternative routes and to allow for extra time on their travels with a large crowd expected at Semple Stadium.
Double yellow lines are in place around Kennedy Park to allow for access for Emergency Vehicles, drivers are not allowed to park on these lines.
Match traffic is not permitted to park on footpaths in the vicinity of Semple Stadium. Parking tickets will be issued to vehicles parked on footpaths.
Car parks will be available on all approach routes, “we urge that they be used by all patrons on their particular route thus avoiding unnecessary delays after the match,” Supt White said.
Patrons have been requested to co-operate with the car park attendants and Gardai to ensure the free flow of traffic.
The area in the immediate vicinity of Semple Stadium will be kept completely free of parked vehicles and controlled by Garda Barriers. The housing estates at the rear of Semple Stadium form an emergency route from the Stadium and any vehicles not belonging to residents will be towed, without exception.
“Please do not abandon cars on the main routes. Keep driving until you meet Gardai on duty at relevant car parks. If you must park on the road ensure your car is turned for home, this is to ensure the minimum of delay after the matches. A traffic diversion programme will be in place within Thurles and all motorists are asked to be patient during its operation. Every effort will be made to ensure that motorists can transgress the town with a minimum of delay,” Supt White added.
Gardaí are encouraging Clare supporters to take one of five routes. The first is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the N74 to Cashel, the M8 to Exit 6 for Horse & Jockey and the N62 to Thurles. The second is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the N74 to Cashel, the R639 (Old N 8) to Horse & Jockey and the N62 to Thurles.
Option three is via Limerick, travel the N24 to Tipperary, the R661 to Dundrum, the R661 to Holycross and either the R659 or R661 to Thurles. The fourth route is from Ennis or Killaloe and Birdhill, and travel the R503 to Newport and via Milestone to Thurles. The last option identified is via Limerick or Ennis, Killaloe and Birdhill travel the M7 to Nenagh and the R498 via Borrisoleigh and the Ragg to Thurles.
Patrons in possession of passes (G.A.A. and Invalid) should display same in a prominent place on their vehicle and follow the Garda directions en route. These passes are not parking permits but allow free movement subject to Garda discretion and traffic control. Thurles Gardai do not issue passes.
Vehicles found illegally parked will be towed away to the Garda Compound and will not be released until the statutory expenses (€125.00) have been paid. In addition a prosecution could be instituted against the driver / owner of the vehicle concerned.
On security measures, Gardaí have appealed to all motorists to secure and lock their vehicles, leave no valuables on display, park in supervised car parks, to beware of your wallet, money and ATM / Credit Cards. Alcohol, Claxton Air Horns and Vuvuzelas will not be allowed into Semple Stadium.
Fans have been warned not to bring flares or smoke bombs to the Munster Hurling Final. “These items are illegal and present a serious safety risk to supporters. Any person caught in possession will be refused admission to the ground by stewards and security staff. It is a criminal offence to ignite a flare in a crowded area and anyone who does so will be subject to ejection from the venue and may face criminal prosecution by An Garda Síochána,” Supt White said.
