GAA fans warned not to use 'dangerous' pyrotechnics

Gaelic Games match attendees have been warned against the use of flares and smoke bombs ahead of this weekend's matches.

The Munster Council has issued a notice appealing to supporters to abandon pyrotechnics on health and safety grounds.

A statement highlighted the clash of Limerick and Cork, which will go a long way to deciding the outcome of the round-robin competition, as one game in which fans may be tempted to use the pyrotechnics.

A statement read: "In advance of Munster Championship games, and particularly Sunday's Munster Senior Hurling fixture between Limerick and Cork at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, Munster GAA and An Garda Síochána wishes to remind supporters of the dangers of igniting flares and smoke bombs within grounds.

"These items are illegal and present a serious safety risk to supporters. Any person caught in possession will be refused admission to the ground by stewards and security staff. It is a criminal offence to ignite a flare in a crowded area and anyone who does so will be subject to ejection from the venue and will face criminal prosecution by An Garda Síochána.

"With an expected attendance of 40,000+ supporters in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday Munster GAA want to ensure the safest possible atmosphere so that all can enjoy the games."

Munster GAA operations manager John Brennan said flares have shown to be particularly dangerous: "These devices are extremely dangerous, particularly when used in a confined space, such as a terrace with thousands of fellow supporters present.

"Flares can burn at a very high temperature and present a serious safety risk to those holding them and to those in the general vicinity, especially young children.

"Smoke bombs also burn at high temperatures and can be dangerous for