Bumper weekend to ‘raise profile’ of county
A bumper bank holiday weekend is in store for County Cavan as the finishing touches are put to plans for the County Fleadh and Festival of the Lakes in Killeshandra; the Sing for Me Festival in Cavan Town and perhaps the icing on the cake? The Cavan v Dublin clash in Kingspan Breffni on Saturday.
At the time of going to print, Cavan County Board, Cavan County Council and An Garda Siochána were expected to meet as part of a concerted effort to put a traffic management plan in place for the big game.
It is anticipated that up to 15,000 people will descend on the county town with anticipation already building days ahead of the game. Martin Cahill, Head of Operations with Cavan GAA, said that 10,000 to 12,000 people are expected at Saturday's match. He said 5,000 tickets have already been sold ahead of the game and the local county board expects a large number of tickets to sell on the day.
Superintendent John Callanan says 20 gardaí have been assigned to Kingspan Breffni on match day and he also highlighted how there will be driving restrictions on approach roads including at Drumalee, Aldi roundabout and Lidl.
Meanwhile, the Dublin team will be provided with food and refreshments at the Cavan Crystal Hotel following Saturday’s game. The hotel's general manager, Michael Hanly, says this weekend will provide a much-needed economic boost to Co Cavan.
“It’s marvellous for Cavan Town and it really is a busy weekend for the county. Game wise, there is plenty happening on Sunday too,” he added.
“But the Cavan v Dublin game will give Cavan County Board a great opportunity to sell the Breffni Bash. Traffic management will be a big issue and it's up to all of us in Cavan Town to get behind that. What’s happening in Killeshandra is wonderful and when you put everything together, it really does raise the profile of this county.”
Elsewhere, gardaí are advising motorists to follow the directions of gardaí, locally, over the coming days. “An Garda Siochána would like to remind everyone also, as it's a Bank Holiday weekend, to please drive safely and be respectful of all road users,” they concluded.