The Government has moved to open the door for more supporters to attend this weekend's inter-county matches.
Plans were already in place for a 500-spectator limit at inter-county venues with a capacity of 5000 or more to commence from this Monday, July 5.
But this easing of restrictions has been brought forward by a couple of days to accommodate some big Championship clashes.
Minister of State for Sport Jack Chambers said this morning: "Small but important change for sporting events. The increase in spectator numbers is applicable from this Saturday July 3rd to facilitate increased attendances at matches this weekend. Further proposals on increasing capacity & matches are being developed for July and August."
It means that 500 people, rather than 200, will be able to attend Tipperary v Clare in the Munster SHC at the LIT Gaelic Grounds, and the Leinster SFC meeting of Laois and Westmeath in Tullamore.
This weekend will also see a number of test events for the GAA championships, with Croke Park hosting 8,000 supporters on Saturday for the Leinster hurling semi-finals between Dublin and Galway (2pm), and Wexford and Kilkenny (4.30pm).
As well as that 1,049 people will be at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday for Connacht SFC semi-final between Roscommon and Galway.
