Leinster v Northampton alcohol rules as fans face big change at Croke Park

Fans attending Leinster's Champions Cup semi-final clash with Northampton at Croke Park face a big change to what they are used to at the Aviva Stadium.

Over 82,000 supporters are set to pile into GAA Headquarters for the last four clash early next month, but they will not be allowed to consume alcohol at their seats.

Rugby fans are usually permitted to drink pints while sitting watching the game, but the GAA does not allow it and the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) said they will respect the association's rules for the match.

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They said in a statement: "EPCR will be respecting the GAA's rules and regulations regarding alcohol consumption in the stadium bowl for the Investec Champions Cup semi-final between Leinster Rugby and Northampton Saints at Croke Park on May 4."

There have been complaints from supporters about alcohol consumption at the Aviva due to people going from their seats to the bar during games, but the IRFU opted against changing the rules after a survey of fans early last year.

Meanwhile, fans heading to the Croke Park for the game look set to face longer travel journeys than usual, with no train services running between Grand Canal Dock and Bray due to engineering services on the day.

Irish Rail have been urged to re-examine their plan for engineering works during busy weekends in Dublin.

Fine Gael Senator Regina Doherty said: “Irish Rail has announced that due to engineering works, there will be no train services between Grand Canal Dock and Bray between Saturday 4th of May to Monday 6th of May, as well as on Saturday 18th of May and Sunday 9th of June. Stations along this route will be closed for train services on these days.

“The DART and other commuter rail links are vital for so many commuters and visitors in Dublin. The announcement of 5 full days of closure between will have a huge impact on people trying to get around the city, including visitors and those travelling for work.

“While engineering works may undoubtedly be required, Irish Rail should make sure that they are only disrupting vital services where absolutely necessary and not when other alternatives, such as night time works, could be possible.

“The dates involved include key events such as the European Rugby Champions Cup Final Stage when Leinster will play Northampton Saints in Croke Park when thousands of people along the southern DART line will be deprived of a rail link into Dublin city centre. It’s a time of year when the weather is improving and more people will want to travel to places like Dún Laoghaire, Seapoint, Sandycove and Bray. Is it really necessary to enforce such disruptions at this time of year?

“We are trying to encourage more people to use public transport to reduce pressure on Dublin’s roads, and these widespread closures are not helping.

“It is important that Irish Rail makes sure that all options have been examined, including whether it is possible to do such engineering work on a different schedule, or whether it is truly necessary to close 13 train stations on the southside for 5 days in order to complete the required works."

Tickets for the May 4 clash sold out within hours of going on sale last week.

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