Westmeath U21 final finally postponed after confusing fiasco

The Westmeath U21 FC final between Moate All Whites and Castledaly/Rosemount – scheduled to take place today (Saturday) – has finally been postponed after a bizarre series of twists.

The 15-a-side decider involving three neighbouring clubs – Castledaly and Rosemount have joined forces for this competition - was originally listed to go ahead at Páirc Chiaráin, Athlone at 3pm. It was to be preceded by the 13-a-side final between Ballynacargy and Milltownpass at 1pm.

Both finals were then moved to the 3G pitch at Lakepoint Park (home ground of St Loman’s, Mullingar), presumably due to the wet weather conditions.

Then it was revealed that the 15-a-side final would take place in Moate with the 13-a-side game in St Loman’s. Subsequently, both fixtures were moved back to St Loman’s before eventually the Moate v Castledaly/Rosemount game was postponed, with the 13-a-side going ahead in the Mullingar venue at 3pm.

It’s another embarrassing fiasco for the Westmeath County Board. Last month, there was huge controversy over the minor hurling final which had to be re-fixed after Clonkill and Raharney refused to play as part of a double-header before the same two clubs met in the senior decider.

Timeline of emails from Westmeath County Board

Friday (2.39pm): The U-21 13-a-side football final is now on the 3g pitch in Loman’s tomorrow @ 3pm and the 15 aside on the 3g @ 5pm.

Friday (5.23pm): Further changes to Under 21 final. Moate V Castledaly/Rosemount is now in Moate at 3pm Saturday 14 November. 13 a side final in St Loman’s 3pm

Friday (6.44pm): Under 21 finals have reverted back to St Loman’s at 3 and 5 tomorrow. Apologies for the confusion but a problem arose in past hour over venues again.

Saturday (11.43am): Under 21 final Castledaly/Rosemount V Moate is postponed. 13-a-side final goes ahead in St Loman’s at 3pm as planned.

Yesterday evening (Friday), Moate All Whites GAA club put up this message on its Facebook page:
“Earlier today, Moate All Whites and Castledaly / Rosemount Chairmen came to an agreement to play the match in Moate on Saturday at 3pm in Hogan Park. The County Board were amenable to this compromise. This evening at 6pm, Castledaly / Rosemount informed the County Board that they objected to playing the match in Moate.
'Moate All Whites Committee, Team Management and U21 panel are currently reviewing the options available to them.'

On Saturday, Moate All Whites (MAW) posted the following notices in relation to the U-21 final:
“Due to chaotic scheduling/rescheduling of this game it has now been finally advised by the county board at approx. 11pm last night (Friday) that the match was to proceed at 5pm today. This is in disregard of our players work commitments which cannot understandably be changed at such late notice. MAW, in respect to these players, will not be forced to field in a game of such importance in such circumstances. We are willing to play on any pitch at the earlier agreed time of 3pm.
“Just to be absolutely clear MAW will NOT be in Mullingar at 5pm.”

“Because of the late change of KO time for today's final, and players arranging time off work at 3, we cannot field a full strength team at 5, the club offered to play the match anywhere at 3pm but could not be facilitated, the club and players feel that there is no point fielding a weakened team at 5 and have therefore withdrawn from today's game.”