Tom Cribben: Brian Kavanagh is a diver

Westmeath manager Tom Cribbin has claimed Longford forward Brian Kavanagh dived in the counties’ Division 3 game on Sunday.

The Lake County’s two-point defeat to their neighbours in Glennon Brothers Pearse Park meant they were demoted to Division 4, their third relegation in as many years.

A win would have saved Westmeath but they weren’t a match for Longford for whom Kavanagh scored five points, four from frees.

Speaking to Midlands 103 FM Sport, Cribbin lashed: “I thought there was a fair bit of diving too.

“Brian Kavanagh is known for it and when you watch it back on DVD usually you can see although we had done a lot of work on that.

Unfortunately, as far as the referee (Niall Cullen) saw it, he has to make a split decision and he saw them as frees and that’s all that counted.”

Cribbin said he has “never seen such a disappointed team in my life” following the loss, which consigned them to Division 4.

“They couldn’t have done anymore to be better prepared for today.”

Westmeath face the winners of Longford and Offaly in a Leinster quarter-final in TEG Cusack Park on June 12.

“All we can do is try and lift them for the championship and try and perform in the championship.

“Feeling sorry for ourselves or that won’t get us anywhere,” he said.

“Another local derby game; it’s a home game for us which will be a help but it doesn’t mean anything in local derby games.”

Here’s a little extra sport. Watch the latest BallTalk for the best sports chat and analysis.

Here’s a little extra sport. Watch the latest BallTalk for the best sports chat and analysis.