BREAKING: Westmeath criticise Kilkenny's 'refusal to play' Walsh Cup fixture
The Westmeath County Board released a statement via social media on Sunday evening
The Westmeath County Board have released a statement rejecting any responsibility for the cancellation of their Walsh Cup fixture with Kilkenny.
The match was originally due to be played in The Downs but was moved to St Loman's GAA grounds in Mullingar following a pitch inspection.
Upon arrival, Kilkenny's medical team in consultation with match officials deemed the club's 3G pitch to be unsuitable to play on.
However, in a statement released on Sunday night, Westmeath GAA refuted any suggestion that "responsibility for the non-fulfilment of the fixture rests with the organising authority or with Leinster competitions."
"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," a spokesperson commented. - FULL STATEMENT BELOW
Speaking to the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast after the match, Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng believed there was no choice but to call the match off.
"We had to make that decision. It would not be worth risking an injury. There is a risk there. I am not taking that chance.
"The safety of our players is paramount. That ultimately is why the decision has been made. It is massively disappointing," he stated.
FULL WESTMEATH GAA STATEMENT: