Westmeath critical of Kilkenny after Walsh Cup cancellation
Westmeath GAA has released a statement regarding the controversy surrounding the Dioralyte Walsh Cup game against Kilkenny, scheduled for yesterday (Sunday),which did not go ahead.
In an official statement, the county is critical of Kilkenny for their refusal to play the match on the alternative pitch provided at Dovida Lakepoint Park, Mullingar.
Kilkenny refused to field on Sunday on the Lakepoint Park 3G pitch, the alternative venue nominated by Westmeath on the previous day due to freezing weather conditions.
Originally the game was fixed for Breedon Kevin Molloy Park (home ground of The Downs) and Westmeath GAA made alternative plans on Saturday in an effort to avoid issues on Sunday.
In their statement, Westmeath GAA say they followed proper protocols and insist every reasonable and practical effort was made by them, the host county, to accommodate the fixture.
Westmeath GAA claim it is a refusal on Kilkenny's part to play an official GAA fixture.
"Westmeath GAA issues the following clarification in relation to the Walsh Cup Round 1 fixture between Westmeath and Kilkenny GAA. On Saturday 3rd January, Westmeath GAA, as the home county, formally nominated Dovida Lakepoint Park (3G pitch) as the alternative authorised venue for the above fixture, in the event that the originally designated venue, Breedon Kevin Molloy Park, was deemed unplayable due to prevailing weather conditions," began the statement.
"Following an assessment at 12.00 noon, Breedon Kevin Molloy Park remained unplayable as a result of frozen conditions. In accordance with competition regulations and standard fixture protocols, the match venue therefore defaulted to the nominated alternative venue, Dovida Lakepoint Park (3G).
"Kilkenny arrived at Dovida Lakepoint Park at the appointed time. However, their management subsequently decided not to fulfil the fixture, declining to warm up or commence the match and withdrawing from play.
"As a result of Kilkenny’s failure to fulfil the fixture at the nominated authorised venue, the match did not take place. Westmeath trained and completed an in-house challenge game in adherence to match-day preparation requirements.
"Westmeath GAA considers Kilkenny GAA’s actions to constitute a clear refusal to play a properly scheduled and authorised fixture, despite every reasonable and practical effort having been made by Westmeath GAA to facilitate the game in difficult weather conditions.
"Westmeath GAA rejects any suggestion that responsibility for the non-fulfilment of this fixture rests with the organising authority or with Leinster competitions, and reserves the right to seek clarification, outcome determination, or further review under the relevant competition regulations," the statement concluded.
Kilkenny senior hurling manager, Derek Lyng claimed the venue was unsafe: "The astro was quite bare. It is a 3G surface. And we would have had concerns for lads’ safety. It is not something we practice or train on."
As a result of Kilkenny not fielding yesterday, Westmeath advance to the next round of the Walsh Cup and will play either Dublin or Wexford (away) next Sunday in the semi-final.