The sporting hopes of the nation are on the line this weekend as the Irish rugby and soccer teams face crucial fixtures in New Zealand and Andorra respectively in the next 24 hours.
First up is Giovanni Trapattoni’s soccer side, who need to overcome the minnows in the Pyrenees tonight to keep their Euro 2012 destiny in their own hands ahead of a crunch fixture with Armenia in Dublin on Tuesday. Kick-off tonight is at 8.30pm.
Form and history suggest the game is as close to a banker as the Republic is likely to find, with Andorra having lost eight out of eight and scored only one goal in that period, coincidentally in Dublin, while conceding 17.
Having failed to qualify for the last four major tournaments, the boys in green can ill afford to be complacent at the Estadio Comunal.
Less than 10 hours later, Declan Kidney's rugby side will take to the field in Wellington looking to break new ground by reaching a Rugby World Cup semi-final for the first time.
Buoyed by strong group stage performances against Australia and Italy, Ireland head into the 6am fixture as narrow favourites but will be acutely aware the Welsh side pose a significant threat following a six-point reverse in Cardiff in the Six Nations in March.
Light rain and drizzle are being forecast across the country this weekend, potentially good news for those plotting a weekend in front of the TV but not so for others seeking to escape the hectic sporting schedule.
Met Éireann said the best of the weather this weekend would likely be found in south Leinster and east Munster as rain is expected to persist in northern and western regions.
For those seeking something other than sport, the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival continues this weekend. A host of shows are on offer around the city with a full programme available from http://dublintheatrefestival.com.
In the west, the Ballinasloe October Fair and Festival runs until Sunday with tug o'war, a singing pub contest, dog shows and a horse fair among the events taking place.
In Waterford, Jedward are among the artists performing as part of Poptober, which takes place in the city's Bolton Street car park on Sunday afternoon.
The coiffed twins top a bill which also includes Keywest, Belle Amie and Keith Cullen. Single tickets are available from €18 or €65 for families.
The Global Irish Economic Forum continues at Dublin Castle until tomorrow night, with former US president Bill Clinton among those set to address the meeting of Ireland's business leaders from home and abroad.
