Mescall apologises over extra-time confusion as replay details confirmed

Westmeath GAA has apologised to the two clubs regarding the confusion surrounding extra-time in last Sunday’s senior football final between The Downs and St Loman’s, Mullingar at TEG Cusack Park.

A thrilling final ended 1-13 apiece and an immediate announcement informed supporters that there would be extra-time. A good-sized crowd of approximately 5,000 people waited, but within minutes, it was confirmed there would be no extra-time and instead the final will go to a replay.

Critics on social media, and elsewhere, suggested Westmeath GAA are attempting to cash-in on a replay.

However, Westmeath County Committee chairman Frank Mescall apologised for the error and said it was decided at the start of the year there would be a replay if the senior final finished in a draw. There was a conflicting message sent to the two clubs ahead of Sunday’s final, which, the chairman explained, was a genuine mistake.

“We take responsibility for that; it was an error on the part of the CCC (Competitions Control Committee).

“We apologise to the two clubs primarily and to all Westmeath Gaels. It’s a pity this materialised at the end of what was such a great occasion and such a wonderful final,” he said.

“It was always our intention to have a replay in the senior final; that was agreed last January and is in our planning report. It has nothing to do with money. It would be my nightmare that a senior final is decided on penalties; I’d like there to be a result in fairer circumstances. It merits a second day and it will then be played to a finish, including penalties if necessary.

“The CCC have to take responsibility for the error and we hold our hands up. I have apologised to both clubs and all players, and we will move on and look ahead to another great occasion,” Mescall continued.

The Downs manager Johnny Murray slammed the error, suggesting it was unfair on players who might have plans for next weekend. St Loman’s, Mullingar manager Paddy Dowdall said his players were also set for extra-time, but accepted the decision had been made at the start of the year.

Meanwhile, the replay has been confirmed for this Saturday, October 19 at TEG Cusack Park, throw-in 3pm. Should the teams finish level in the replay, extra-time will be played and, if necessary, a penalty shootout will take place.

The Junior 2 football championship final between Ballinagore and Delvin will be played at the same venue on Saturday, but now with an earlier throw-in time of 1pm.