Fireworks, flash cars and fresh winds are to be the centrepiece of what is shaping up to be a busy weekend around the country.
Celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of the GAA begin in Croke Park, Dublin, tomorrow evening during the National Football League opener between Dublin and All-Ireland Champions Tyrone.
Throw-in for the game is scheduled for 7.30pm, but the festivities are to commence at 6.30pm, with television presenter Hector Ó hEochagáin overseeing the evening's programme of events.
Half-time entertainment will come from Sharon Shannon and Mundy and after the game there will be a bilingual tribute to the GAA by commentator Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh. Meanwhile, U2 drummer Larry Mullen has produced a soundtrack for a lighting and fireworks display during the show, incorporating contemporary and traditional elements of Irish music.
"The quality musical act together with an exciting game of football and also a specially designed lighting and fireworks spectacular promises to be a night to remember," Jarlath Burns of the GAA 125th anniversary committee said.
A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased from the participating counties, on www.gaa.ie or from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide.
Elsewhere, thousands of spectators are expected turn out for the World Rally Championship, which continues in the north west of the country tomorrow and Sunday.
Tomorrow, the rally will travel from Sligo to Tyrone, and on Sunday the stages will run through Leitrim and Sligo before heading north to Donegal for the final stage.
The rally ends in Donegal town at lunchtime on Sunday with a "super special stage" in the town centre. This will be a 1.5km time trial, which will take the drivers just over a minute to complete.
Details of the event are available from www.rallyireland.org.
Race meetings are also scheduled for Punchestown in Co Kildare and Limerick Racecourse on Sunday, with the action commencing at venues at 2.55pm and 1.45pm respectively.
Met Éireann is predicting fresh winds and rain to persist over parts of the country this weekend. The forecaster said recent heavy outbreaks will continue tomorrow in some areas but that they should clear later in the day.
Sunday will be significantly colder, with highest temperatures of 4 degrees predicted, and some wintry showers are likely near the east coast. However, it should be dry and bright in other areas.
