Westmeath v Kildare set for Cusack Park after venue confusion

 

By Kieran Galvin

The All-Ireland SHC play-off between Westmeath and Kildare will now take place at Cusack Park on Saturday (throw-in: 3.45pm).

There has been a huge level of confusion over the fixture, but it has finally been confirmed for the Mullingar venue.

Initially, it was believed that Kildare – as Christy Ring Cup winners – would have home advantage for the game.

The GAA’s website then stated that Pairc Tailteann in Navan would be the venue.

However, the GAA sent out an email outlining upcoming fixtures yesterday (Tuesday), which listed Tullamore as the venue.

But in the latest and surely final twist, the GAA’s Central Competitions Control Committee has indicated that it is happy for the game to be played in Mullingar “following agreement between the two counties”.

The winners of the match will compete in the Liam MacCarthy Cup next year – in the round robin of the Leinster SHC – while the losers will take part in the Christy Ring Cup.

Kildare stunned Kerry in the Christy Cup final at Croke Park last weekend, but Westmeath will be expected to come through this play-off, particularly with the game now on home soil.

Lilywhites manager Brian Lawlor has expressed deep annoyance over the fact that winning the Christy Ring Cup does not lead to automatic promotion to the top tier.

"In the same way, Kerry should be in Division 1B of the National League next year. Kerry won their division (2A), they should have been promoted. We won our championship, we should have been promoted. Neither happened," said Lawlor.

"In what other sport or even in what other section of the GAA, do you win a competition and not get promoted? It's crazy," he added. 

 

Saturday June 14

GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Promotion Play-Off

Cusack Park, Mullingar (3:45) Westmeath Kildare Referee: John Keenan (Cill Mhantáin) (E.T. if Necessary)