WESTMEATH BLAME CATS

WESTMEATH have hit back at Kilkenny after the Cats refused to play them in the Walsh Cup on Sunday.

- BY GARRY DOYLE

The Midlanders were due to take on the Leinster champs in the quarterfinals of the competition but the situation became farcical when Kilkenny pulled out of the game just a minute before throw-in.

The Cats told Westmeath chiefs and the match officials that they would play the game if it was switched to the grass surface at St Loman's Lakepoint Park home.

But St Loman's rather than Westmeath County Board own their ground and they reserved the right to only make their 3G surface available.

After inspecting the 3G pitch, Kilkenny’s medical team advised boss Derek Lyng (inset) not to play the game for health and safety reasons.