A sellout crowd at the All-Ireland Football Semi-Final this Sunday, August 30 in Dublin, will be witness to halftime entertainment provided by Drum Corps International’s DrumLine Battle program.

In association with the Artane Band, an ensemble founded in 1872 that is part of the Artane School of Music in North Dublin, this officially sanctioned DrumLine Battle competition will be presented as part of the Dublin versus Mayo football match. The event also helps mark the Artane Band Day celebration, all taking place at historic Croke Park in Dublin, a more than 130-year-old multi-purpose venue that hosts everything from football to hurling.

“We are thrilled to introduce DrumLine Battle to Ireland,” said John DeNovi, Drum Corps International’s senior director of business development. “This event is the perfect way to enhance the excitement and rivalry of the football match through music and friendly sportsmanship.”

DrumLine Battle teams representing the Dublin and Mayo counties will perform an in-your-face routine in a head-to-head battle of drumming and showmanship skills. After a final face-off with both teams attempting to one-up their opponent, the capacity audience of 82,500 will help pick the winner through crowd reaction and applause.

“The Artane Band has been entertaining crowds in Croke Park for over 120 years, said Keith Kelly, manager of the Artane School of Music. “This weekend we will be doing something a little different. We’re delighted to welcome back many of our past drummers for the event and we hope that the fans really get behind their team.”