Come early . . . stay late . . . and enjoy a carnival atmosphere through the day for Sunday’s Galway/Mayo clash in Pearse Stadium – that’s the message this week from the Salthill business community.
With tickets selling fast, a crowd of 25,000 plus is expected for the big match, making it one of the top tourism days of the year for Salthill pubs, restaurants and hotels.
“We want people to come early and to enjoy their visit to one of the nicest places in the country. There are loads of promotions, family deals and entertainment lined up,” said Roger O’Sullivan of the Salthill Rejuvenation Committee.
He said that people coming to Galway for the match should ‘make a day of it’ beside the sea, adding that many outlets were doing special value for money deals on Sunday.
Galway Football Committee Secretary, Seamus O’Grady, said this week that demand for tickets was ‘very brisk’ with a crowd in the region of 25,000 expected at Pearse Stadium, a ground that has a capacity of just over 30,000.
However, this week the GAA authorities and the Gardai have issued a plea to match goers to plan their journeys to the venue and to leave on time.
Gardai have warned that no parking will be permitted in the vicinity of the stadium – illegally parked vehicles will be towed away, say the Gardai.
Parking facilities will be available at St. Enda’s College, Threadneedle Road; St. Mary’s College on St. Mary’s Road and the Galway Technical Institute on Fr. Griffin Road, with a park-and-ride service available from the latter location.
Galway GAA have also organised a park-and-ride service from the Galway Airport site at Carnmore with buses running every half hour from 12 noon dropping off at the Western Distributor Roundabout (about a five minute walk from the ground). Return journeys begin at 5.30 from the same location.
The big match starts at 4pm and is preceded at 1.45 by the clash of Mayo and Roscommon in the Christy Ring hurling qualifier. Galway GAA CEO, John Hynes, asked supporters to arrive early; to park properly; be respectful of local residents and ‘to enjoy the game’.
A very pleasant weather day – dry and not too hot with maximum temperatures of 15°/16° Celsius in a light northerly breeze – is expected to help swell the crowd at Pearse Stadium.
The post Fans urged to ‘make a day of it’ in Salthill appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.