Two places in the FAI Cup Final are up for grabs, Leinster Rugby return home, and county championship silverware awaits in Thurles. Add Super League basketball in Sligo and an afternoon of jumps racing in Cork, and there are plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy live sport this weekend.
Here are six occasions worth making time for from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11.
Bohemians v Waterford – Dalymount Park
Friday, October 9 – 7.45 pm
The weekend begins under the lights at Dalymount, where Bohemians and Waterford meet with a place in the Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup Final at stake.
The occasion carries extra significance: this is scheduled to be the last FAI Cup match at the current Dalymount Park before its redevelopment. A ground woven into Irish football history sets the stage for another night of cup ambition, with the visitors looking to take their own step towards the Aviva Stadium.
Galway United v Derry City – Eamonn Deacy Park
Saturday, October 10 – 3 pm
The second semi-final takes the spotlight west, with Galway United hosting Derry City on Saturday afternoon.
Galway are chasing their first appearance in the decider since their famous 1991 triumph. For home supporters, the prospect of a return makes this game far more than an ordinary weekend fixture. Derry stand between them and that journey, with both clubs just one win away from the national showpiece.
Sligo All Stars v UCC Demons – Mercy College, Sligo
Saturday, October 10 – 7.30 pm
Saturday evening offers an indoor option as Sligo All Stars welcome UCC Demons in the Men’s Super League.
Basketball rewards being there: the speed of the transitions, the sound from the benches and the proximity to the court bring supporters into every possession. This meeting brings a Cork club to the northwest for an evening worth considering for anyone looking to broaden their sporting weekend.
Leinster v Cardiff – Laya Arena, Dublin
Saturday, October 10 – 7.45 pm
After two seasons away, Leinster Rugby come home to a transformed venue.
The meeting with Cardiff is the first competitive home game at the redeveloped Laya Arena, with the new Anglesea Stand central to the occasion. For Sport for Business readers, it is also a chance to see a major investment in sporting infrastructure and a naming partnership come to life, with Laya bringing its All Access platform to the matchday experience.
Co-Op Superstores Raceday – Cork Racecourse, Mallow
Sunday, October 11 – First race at 1.02 pm
National Hunt racing returns to Mallow with a seven-race card headed by the Co-Op Superstores Handicap Chase.
Live music follows the races, while a free shuttle from Mallow town and the railway station makes the train an attractive way to turn the meeting into a Sunday outing. An autumn afternoon at the races offers its own rhythm, with time between contests to catch up, study the next race and enjoy the occasion.
Moycarkey-Borris v Thurles Sarsfields – FBD Semple Stadium
Sunday, October 11 – 4 pm
The county final day brings the weekend to a championship close as Moycarkey-Borris and Thurles Sarsfields contest the Tipperary Senior Hurling title.
There is something special about watching clubs compete for the prize that matters most to their own communities. The familiar surroundings of Semple Stadium will carry a different weight for players, families and volunteers whose season comes down to this afternoon.
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