The blame game has started.
The Walsh Cup quarter-final between Westmeath and Kilkenny descended into chaos on Sunday as Kilkenny refused to play.
The game, which was originally scheduled to be played at The Downs GAA grounds, was switched at 11.30am due to pitch concerns because of poor weather.
This meant players were redirected to St Loman’s GAA club, seven miles away from the original venue, and though Kilkenny arrived at the venue ready to play, chaos ensued.
The club’s grass pitch was seemingly unavailable, meaning St Loman’s offered up an artificial surface for the match.
Kilkenny refused, with their players conducting a pre-match warm-up in a gravel area near the changing rooms while officials looked for a solution.
Just one minute before the match was due to start, it was called off, and Westmeath advanced following a coin toss.
The few hundred spectators that have gathered for the match were left stunned.
It wasn’t the only match to be decided by coin toss on Sunday; Offaly and Galway also won by that method due to matches being called off due by weather.
Kilkenny boss Derek Lyng explained that his side’s decision was based on safety concerns.
He said: “The match was rescheduled originally until 2.30pm to give the frost the best possible chance to clear. The call was then made at 11.30am this morning (to move the game from The Downs’ GAA grounds to St Loman’s). We had to make a few arrangements then as there were a few people who were there (at The Downs) at one o’clock.
“We got here (to St Loman’s ground) and walked their (grass) pitch and we felt that the (grass) surface was much better, much safer than the astro. The astro is quite bare. It is a 3G surface. And we had concerns for lads’ safety. It is not a surface we practice or train on. Look, I really wanted to play the game. We were willing to go.
“But the referee told us the (grass) pitch was not going to be made available to us for whatever reason. We then had to make the decision (in consultation) with our medical team and the backroom team not to play. I am really disappointed for anyone who has travelled. I am more disappointed for the players.
“They were really looking forward to the game today. But 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.
“A few players were going to get their debuts today. They will get the opportunity again. There will be other days.
“We have to make new plans now for pre-season. This is not ideal at all.
“We are raring to go. We have had a block of training and are really looking forward to the games. Unfortunately at this time of year you are subjected to the weather. But it is what it is. You have to get on with it.
“The safety of the players is most important to the supporters as well. Had we got one or two serious injuries on the back of playing on that surface, it certainly would not have been worth it.
“They trust us with the responsibility of making sure these lads are looked after. That is number one.”
Lyng added: “I had a good discussion with the referee, and he completely agrees, and the decision has been made.”
However, Westmeath have hit back at the Cats in a statement, and are adamant that they are not at fault for the debacle.
They said: “Kilkenny arrived at Dovida Lakepoint Park [3G pitch] 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 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.”
