Thousands of GAA fans travelling to a major championship match in Mayo this Sunday have been given a special ‘drive safely' message. Sligo and Roscommon may be in direct opposition in the Connacht football championship showdown in Castlebar but the road safety officers from three counties (Sligo, Roscommon and Mayo) and the football managers of both teams have teamed up to deliver the message and as in all road safety campaigns we are more than ever reliant on the media to deliver this message to the public.

The campaign asks motorists and passengers to make a personal commitment to drive at appropriate and legal speeds in a bid to tackle concerns about speeding on our roads and a special appeal will be made at the big match on sunday for all the fans to drive with care.

Kevin Walsh Sligo Manager said "On the football pitch, speed is a necessity - but excessive and inappropriate speed on the road is not ‘fair play'".

"Apart from the obvious risk of causing injury and death, it also creates distress among other road users leading to people feeling unsafe as they walk, cycle or on our roads.

"I am proud to support this worthwhile campaign, and I hope that local people will to help to make their communities safer places."

Mr Val Banes, Road Safety Officer, Sligo County Council said "This is another opportunity to remind football fans about their road safety responsibilities. Fans should ensure the enjoyment of the game isn't followed by tragedy on the road,"

Fergal O'Donnell Roscommon Manager said "Speeding traffic is a prime concern in many communities. We want motorists to think about their speed and how it might affect others as they pass through our communities. Sometimes this might mean slowing down to a speed below that of the signed limit. We hope everyone takes note."

"We want people to drive safely this weekend. There will be a large volume of traffic on the roads for the game, and we urge people to take care and to ensure that their trip to this great sporting occasion does not end in tragedy,every road user has a role to play in reducing the number of collisions on our roads," said Noel Gibbons Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council .