What Happens Now - Kilkenny look forward after pulling out of Walsh Cup game

Kilkenny's first match of the 2026 season will have to wait for another few days yet after the county's scheduled Walsh Cup clash with Westmeath was cancelled on Sunday. - FULL DEREK LYNG INTERVIEW BELOW

Both Kildare and Galway along with Offaly and Antrim matches were also called off due to the adverse weather.

As a result and per competition regulation, a coin toss determined Westmeath, Offaly and Galway advance in the competition while Kilkenny, Antrim and Kildare will now enter the Walsh Shield competition.

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Following the completion of those games with dates to be determined, attention turns to the league season on Sunday, January 25 with a home match against Offaly, with a trip to face All-Ireland champions Tipperary in FBD Semple Stadium finishing off their campaign on Saturday, March 21.

The Cats, who won their 77th Leinster title last June, will begin the defence of their title against last year's beaten provincial finalists Galway in Pearse Stadium on the weekend of April 18/19 and conclude the round-robin stages in Parnell Park against Dublin on the weekend of May 23/24.

WALSH CUP DRAMA - 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.

However, upon arrival, Kilkenny's medical team in consultation with match officials deemed the club's 3G pitch to be unsuitable to play on.

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng indicated afterwards that his team were willing to play on the grass pitch in St Loman's but after closer inspection that was also deemed unplayable. 

FULL DEREK LYNG INTERVIEW BELOW: