Paul McGrath has urged people to stay at home this Bank Holiday weekend in the battle against coronavirus.
Pictures have circulated on social media in recent days showing large traffic jams on roads leading to coastal areas and popular tourist spots.
Republic of Ireland legend McGrath took to social media to plead with people to stay in their homes over the coming days.
He posted on Twitter: "Hi all - can I ask you all to stay at home and help to flatten the curve of this virus.
"I know it is difficult but it is so important that we all do our bit to help stop this spreading.
"People are seeing their friends and families becoming ill and sadly many are losing their loved ones.
"Let's all stick together by staying apart."
McGrath's post comes as 28 more deaths and 500 new coronavirus cases were confirmed in the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
It's the highest number of new cases confirmed so far.
The latest figures bring the death toll to 263 and the total number of cases of Covid-19 in the Republic to 6,574.
Out of the deaths reported at a Department of Health briefing on Thursday evening, 15 were women and 13 were men.
There were 22 deaths in the east, two in the north west, two in the south and two in the west.
The median age of the deceased was 84.
19 of those who passed away had underlying health conditions.
