Fortress Malahide fills up as Ashes winners set for Dublin showdown

Advance ticket sales have now confirmed that the RSA Challenge will be the highest attended cricket match ever to be played in Ireland.

The RSA Challenge against England in exactly 4 weeks' time will be played in front of the biggest crowd to ever attend a cricket match in Ireland. Advance ticket sales for this official one-day international are already pushing the two-thirds mark, and 10,000 cricket fans are expected to descend on North Dublin on Tuesday the 3rd of September for the first major match to be played at Ireland's newest international venue.

Cricket Ireland are calling on the Irish public to get their tickets now in advance to guarantee their place at what is sure to be a memorable day for Irish Sport.

Veteran Trent Johnston is looking to give the Irish public one more glory day before time is called on his international career ahead of Ireland's landmark fixture. The 39 year-old, who last month announced that he's hanging up his boots at the end of 2013, feels that a major scalp on Irish soil is long overdue.

"It's been disappointing that we haven't beaten a Full Member in Dublin yet, but I know just how determined the team is to rectify that situation. I made my debut in 2004 when we had a great win over Surrey, but despite being in great positions a few times - not least against England, as well as Australia and Pakistan - we haven't managed to get over the finishing line.

"It's all set up to be a fantastic occasion at Malahide with 10,000 fans packed in. There's bound to be a special atmosphere and it'd be special to give the fans a winning start at the new stadium."

Irish coach Phil Simmons is confident that the highly charged atmosphere will inspire his team to further glory as they look to recreate the famous result from 2 years ago when Ireland beat England at the Cricket World Cup in 2011.

"It'll be a cause for double celebration as we've confirmed our qualification for the 2015 World Cup and England have held onto The Ashes. There's always an extra edge when Ireland play England in any sport and cricket is no exception. I guess our win in the World Cup will always be brought up when the sides clash, but that's history now.

"It's time for new memories and new heroic deeds. We've a strong settled side packed with county players who are all very experienced. I've every faith that the team can once again make the fans and the country proud against England next month."

Tickets can be purchased by going to www.cricketireland.ie or at TicketMaster outlets nationwide.