County town set for bonanza as Pairc Tailteann hosts two All Ireland qualifiers

As one of the hottest weekends in records is forecast, Navan is set for a bonanza of visitors thanks to the Gaelic Athletic Association, with two major games in the All Ireland series scheduled for Pairc Tailteann.

On Saturday evening at 7pm, Fermanagh and Kildare meet in round four of the All Ireland championship. Kildare famously overcame Mayo last weekend on home turf at St Conleth's Park in Newbridge following a saga with Croke Park over the venue, emerging as 0-21 to 0-19 winners over last year's All Ireland finalists.

Fermanagh were well and truly humbled in the Ulster final, going down by 12 points to Donegal after wins over Armagh and Monaghan to reach the decider.

The manner in which Kildare stopped Mayo last Saturday means they come into the tie as hot favourites. However, the Ulster side will look at how Carlow frustrated the Lilywhites earlier in the season by packing their defence, and will quietly fancy their chances.

The game is being broadcast on Sky Sports. Speaking to the Sky Sports GAA Podcast, former Monaghan player Dick Clerkin is expecting a Kildare win, but gives Fermanagh a chance if they keep things tight.

"Similar to the Monaghan game, Fermanagh need everything to go well. They'll need Kildare to get the yips in front of goal, get frustrated, not get into a rhythm, and not allow their main scorers up front into the game.

"If Kildare get scores from around the edges and out the field, well then it's lights out for Fermanagh. The odds are stacked against them."

On Sunday afternoon at 2pm. Laois meet Monaghan in Pairc Tailteann.  After beating Dublin at Croke Park in the League many had Monaghan as favourites for the Ulster Championship.

However they were frustrated by a canny Fermanagh side in the semi-final, condemning them to the qualifiers.

They have since landed some handy draws with Waterford and Leitrim lacking the gears to trouble Malachy O'Rourke's men.

Laois should prove sterner opposition after making the Leinster final only to lose to a dominant Dublin side.

The town's shops, eateries and hostelries can only benefit from the crowds that will arrive to the 17,000 capacity stadium over the weekend, and there is sure to be plenty of colour. Both round four games will go to extra time if necessary.