THIS WEEKEND’S Champions Cup semi-final between Leinster and Northampton Saints is set to be a historic occasion for Cian Healy.
The Leinster veteran will become the record appearance holder in the Investec Champions Cup/Heineken Champions Cup/Heineken Cup should he enter the fray on Saturday.
Healy is currently tied with the most appearances on 110 alongside Munster icon Ronan O’Gara.
The Leinster prop will likely come off the bench at Croke Park this weekend to put him out in front with the outrageous record.
Healy’s now boss Leo Cullen finished his playing career with 92 appearances while Brian O’Driscoll recorded 87.
There are many other Ireland legends high up on the list such as: Gordon D’Arcy (104), Peter Stringer (101), John Hayes (101), Donncha O’Callaghan (97), Shane Horgan (87), Anthony Foley (85) and Jamie Heaslip (85).
Healy equalled O’Gara’s record of 110 appearances when he came off the bench to help beat the Munster legend’s La Rochelle side in the quarter-final.
There will be plenty of fans to witness Healy’s achievement on Saturday with Croke Park sold out for the massive clash.
However, getting to the stadium will be tricky for a lot fans and they are being advised to be cognisant of disruptions to the DART service.
Due to it being a Bank Holiday weekend, maintenance works will be carried out.
This will ensure no trains operate between Bray and Grand Canal Dock.
In total, 13 stations will be closed over the weekend.
Irish Rail defended the decision since Bank Holidays are the least disruptive times to carry out works.
In addition to that, the move was arranged in December, months before it arose that Croker would be stepping in as a temporary host for such a huge match.
Spokesman Barry Kenny told The Irish Independent that alternative public transport services like buses and Luas services will be increased to make up for it.
“There will be significant enhanced capacity across the bus services and Luas servicers as well to meet that demand.
“There will also be extra Darts from Howth to Grand Canal Dock, and extra Maynooth and Drogheda trains which directly serve Croke Park.
“There is a significant amount of resources committed to these works.”
Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland have confirmed that they will accept valid rail tickets on services between effected stations.