Buncrana spared ESB outage on All-Ireland Final day
The power cut had been due to take place on the same day as the Kerry v Mayo showdown, prompting concerns for homes and businesses.
A planned ESB electricity outage in Buncrana, which was scheduled to take place during the All-Ireland Football Final, has been rescheduled following concerns over the impact it could have on local businesses and residents.
The outage was originally planned for Sunday, 26th July, from 9am to 4pm, the same day as the highly anticipated All-Ireland Football Final between Kerry and Mayo.
The timing of the works had raised concerns locally, with South Inishowen Councillor Jack Murray calling on ESB Networks to review the planned outage, highlighting the importance of the day for businesses and the wider community.
“This is a massive day for local businesses. People understand that essential maintenance must be carried out, but the timing of this outage must be reviewed.”
“The All-Ireland Final is the biggest occasion in the Irish sporting calendar, watched by families and communities across the country.”
“Unless there is an unavoidable safety reason why the work must happen at that exact time, I am calling on ESB Networks to reschedule it and avoid unnecessary disruption to affected homes and businesses.”
The Sinn Féin councillor confirmed that he had contacted ESB Networks regarding the issue, and later received confirmation that the outage wouldn’t take place during the match.
“I received a call from ESB confirming that there'll be no businesses affected by the planned power outage during the All-Ireland Final on 26th July. Really happy to have got the call.”
The news comes as excitement builds ahead of the final, with supporters set to watch some of the game’s biggest names take to the field, including Kerry stars David and Paudie Clifford and Mayo’s Kobe McDonald.
With the final falling on the same day as Graveyard Sunday in Cockhill, Buncrana is expected to be busy as GAA supporters gather in local pubs and venues ahead of throw-in. While Kerry and Mayo fans prepare for the big day, many will reflect on what the atmosphere would have been like had Donegal reached the decider — a day when the excitement around the town would have been truly electric.