Mixed views on Ashbourne venue

Moate All Whites delegate Tommy Gorman has criticised the state of the Donaghmore Ashbourne pitch for the Westmeath versus Meath Leinster U20 football championship game.

Speaking at the recent Westmeath County Committee meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel, he said the playing surface was a "disgrace" for both teams, with heavy rain that day making it very difficult. He said it was "lousy" for the game to be played in such conditions and that there was not much regard for player welfare in the decision.

"Watching the game - was that pitch playable? I know the ref said it was, but when you see the water on the pitch: I thought it was a disgrace for both teams, personally. Two teams had trained all year; I'm not saying Westmeath would have won (in different conditions), but to me it was a terrible decision to play (the game); it was lousy,” he opined. He felt player welfare was disregarded.

However, County Committee Chairman, Frank Mescall said he was satisfied the pitch was playable on the night in question. While there was a lot of surface water on the pitch, it did not cut up and was acceptable for a game, he felt.

"From one who was at the game and actually walked it (the pitch), I'd say it was playable. There was water lying on the top, which often happens when rain comes down all of a sudden; it just didn't have a chance to go down. But the surface was very firm. You didn't see it cutting up anywhere. Okay, when the ball hopped, you saw splashes, and you saw splashes from the boots, but the pitch was very playable, in fairness," he said.

Mr Gorman also complained that Westmeath under 20s had to play away from home even though they won their group, but the chairman pointed out that the draw was known months in advance.

Patrick Doherty, Head of Operations, said the home and away agreement that exists in the province is the reason for the game being played at the Meath venue. The next time Westmeath play Meath at that grade (be it U20 or U21), it will be a home game for Westmeath, if it's not in a group stage, he explained.

Meanwhile, Mr Mescall noted that it hadn't been a great period for football in the county, with the minor side failing to make an impact and the under 20s bowing out. He urged football fans to get behind the senior team for their championship campaign.