There were major delays for motorists on the M7 in Co Kildare earlier today after a number of bales of straw fell from a lorry onto the road.

The incident happened at Junction 10, outside Naas, at around 2.20pm this afternoon, according to Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Emergency services attended the scene and the bales have now been cleared. The road is now fully reopened.

The tailback is believed to have extended for at least 10 kilometres.

Niall O'Riordan, the on-call senior officer with Kildare Fire Service, told RTÉ News that two crews attended the scene from Naas and Newbridge fire departments.

Gardaí and motorway maintence crews also attended the scene, he said.

Mr O'Riordan also said Kildare County Council was sending a motorway roadsweeper van to the scene to help clear away the loose straw.

The road is the main route for Waterford and Limerick hurling fans travelling to Croke Park for this evening's All-Ireland semi-final.

The match was due to begin at 5pm, but throw-in was delayed until 5.30pm.

Both teams had already arrived at the venue well in advance of the scheduled 5pm throw-in.

Croke Park stadium director Peter McKenna said the decision was taken "in the interests of health and safety" after discussions with gardaí.

24,000 fans attended the match - the biggest crowds at an Irish sporting event since the start of the pandemic.