Christy Ring final moved to Tullamore

WESTMEATH and Carlow have got their way in forcing a change to the Christy Ring final date and venue, moving the fixture from Croke Park tomorrow night to Tullamore on Sunday evening.

After the original CCCC decision provoked an angry reaction from both managers and the respective county boards, officials reached agreement last night and a 6pm throw-in at O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Sunday was agreed.

All it required then was formal approval from Croke Park — and that was readily forthcoming.

“We are pleased with the arrangement,’’ said Carlow secretary Tom O’Neill.

“It took a lot of work to get the game changed. All I can say now is that I hope we win!’’

The two counties were insistent on the game going ahead this weekend because of the pressure on domestic fixtures — and the fact that the winning team faces a further game against Laois to decide their championship status for 2009.

The successful team will take part in the Liam McCarthy Cup, with the losers staying in the Christy Ring Cup.

* Tipperary referee Noel Cosgrove will handle the game and extra time will be played if necessary.