Sports enthusiasts will be delighted to hear that Punchestown racecourse have changed the start time on the final day of the festival to 1.10pm allowing race goers to enjoy top class racing followed by live coverage of the Leinster versus Munster rugby match.

The final day of the Irish National Hunt Festival features the ?130,000 Grade One Ballymore Champion four-year-old Hurdle and is a family themed day with a full programme of activities for children including pony rides, live stage shows featuring a High School Musical production, a fun fair, bouncy castles, face painting and much more.

The atmosphere is sure to be electric in Punchestown where, at the end of the eight race card, sports enthusiasts will be able to enjoy live coverage of the big game on five giant screens, 120 television monitors and plasma screens with ample seating and access to ten public bars and food outlets.

Announcing the new start time Dick O Sullivan said "The final day of the festival is always a great celebration of sport, families and the local community. We will have a crowd of around 19,000 at Punchestown so the atmosphere is going to be electric! It looks like Punchestown is going to be the best gathering outside Croke park on Saturday 2nd May!"

Dick continued by saying "Irish people tend to appreciate all sports and this will be a unique opportunity for fans to take in two great sporting spectaculars at one of Ireland's finest venues. Punchestown is a purpose built amphitheatre and we will have it kitted out with the best facilities for our customers".

Leinster star Bernard Jackman was impressed with the move and commented "It's going to be a fabulous day at Punchestown with great racing and a brilliant atmosphere. If I wasn't fortunate enough to be at Croke Park on 2nd May ? I'd love to be at Punchestown".

The Irish National Hunt Festival runs from Tuesday 28th April to Saturday 2nd May. General admission ?30, OAPs and Students ?15. Start times Tuesday to Friday inclusive 3.45pm. Start Time Saturday 1.10pm.