The HSS Stena Explorer, carrying several hundred rugby fans home from Wales, is currently lying off Dun Laoghaire having failed to dock due to high winds.
A spokesman for the ferry company said an attempt to dock the high-speed ship shortly after midday was cancelled. The ferry company expects wind conditions to ease in the early afternoon and will then make a further attempt.
It is understood many of the rugby fans on board are hoping to be back in Dublin for the celebrations planned for the RDS this afternoon following yesterday’s victory by Leinster over Northampton in the Heineken Cup final in Cardiff.
Thousands of fans are expected at the RDS to join in the celebrations with the team expected at around 3.30pm.
Supporters travelling to Ballsbridge have been warned that traffic restrictions will be in place due to the State funeral of Dr Garret FitzGerald which will take place at the Sacred Heart Church in Donnybrook. The Mass commenced at 2.30pm.
Met Éireann said a period of extremely windy weather will develop overnight and continue tomorrow morning with storm force southwest winds along the north and northwest coast. Extremely strong southwest winds through north and west Ulster and parts of Connacht, with gusts between 100 and 140 km/h are expected.
