A protest by dissident republicans over the playing of God Save The Queen at this afternoon's Six Nations clash between Ireland and England at Croke Park has passed off without major incident.
A tight security cordon was in place around the stadium for one the biggest security operations ever seen at the venue amid fears that the demonstration by around 60 Republican Sinn Féin members could spiral out of control. Up to 1,000 gardaí have been drafted in.
Republican Sinn Fein President Ruairi O Braidaigh, hands in a letter of protest to GAA officials at Croke Park this afternoon
Debate has raged over the playing of God Save The Queen at the stadium where 14 civilians were massacred by British soldiers in 1920.
An RSF delegation, including party president Ruairí Ó Brádaigh, handed in a letter of protest to Croke Park prior to the game.
RSF was involved in pickets against the "Love Ulster" loyalist parade through Dublin last year which sparked major. Building sites in and around Croke Park in the north inner city have been sealed off to prevent access to rubble by anyone intent on stirring up trouble.
The British Foreign Office had issued a warning to the expected 20,000 English fans travelling to Ireland to arrive at the stadium early for the tie.
President Mary McAleese stepped into the debate to urge Irish fans to welcome the visiting rugby team onto the pitch in a show of solidarity with the players and fans.
More than 82,000 supporters will descend on Croke Park for the sell-out fixture. Stiles will open at 3.30pm for the 5.30pm kick off, with supporters urged to arrive early.
Supervised car parks will be available around Croke Park at Clonliffe College, Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra, and motorists are being warned that illegally parked cars risk being clamped or towed away.