There is an abundance of excitement for GAA fans with the news that crowds of 40,000 can attend the football and hurling All-Ireland finals in Croke Park this summer.
Sports Minister Jack Chambers has confirmed that an increased audience can see the All-Ireland finals, semi-finals and two World Cup Qualifiers.
He said: "I am delighted to announce increased attendances for the All-Ireland semi-finals and finals as well as two World Cup Qualifiers.
"This is an important signal of how far we have come as a country. From the start of this process I stated we wanted to be ambitious around getting supporters back in stadia all around the country and the figures for the upcoming games show that is exactly what is happening.
"I am really pleased we have implemented a very careful return of crowds starting with smaller numbers at first and gradually increasing over the summer months.
"The pilot events have been a great success and have shown how live sporting and other events can be held in a safe manner."
The hurling final will take place on 22 August and the football final is set to happen on Sunday 29 August.
Meanwhile, a crowd of 24,000 is confirmed for the four semi finals also in Croke Park beginning next weekend.
Approximately 25,000 can attend the two World Cup Qualifiers for the Aviva Stadium for games against Azerbaijan (4 September) and Serbia (7 September).
These developments follow engagements between Minister Chambers and the various sports organisations about increasing capacity at events.
