"Not ideal at all" - Lyng explains Kilkenny decision not to fulfill Walsh Cup match

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng has defended the county's decision not to fulfill their Walsh Cup fixture with Westmeath on Sunday.

The county boss claimed the 3G pitch at St Loman's GAA grounds was a 'risk' to players. - FULL INTERVIEW HERE AND BELOW

The match was originally due to be played in The Downs but was moved to St Loman's GAA grounds in Mullingar following a pitch inspection. 

"A few players were going to get their debuts today. They will get the opportunity again. There will be other days," Lyng told the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast.

READ NEXT: Westmeath criticise Kilkenny's 'refusal to play' Walsh Cup fixture 

"We have to make new plans now for pre-season. This is not ideal at all.

"We had to make that decision. It would not be worth risking an injury. There is a risk there. I am not taking that chance.

"The safety of our players is paramount. That ultimately is why the decision has been made. It is massively disappointing," he stated.

Meanwhile, in a statement released on Sunday night, Westmeath GAA refuted any suggestion that "responsibility for the non-fulfilment of the fixture rests with the organising authority or with Leinster competitions."

FULL DEREK LYNG INTERVIEW BELOW: