Delaney defends Portlaoise decision

LEINSTER Council secretary Michael Delaney defended the decision to start yesterday’s two Leinster senior hurling quarter-final games in rain-sodden Portlaoise.

“The pitch was inspected at 10.30am and even though it was raining heavily, the pitch was perfect. We inspected it again at 12.30pm, they had to clear water from both ends of the pitch in front of the two goals but they were happy enough to continue with it.

“Officials and managers of both teams wanted the game to go ahead. The ref said if conditions were bad he would abandon the game after 20 minutes but he was happy enough to continue.”