The GAA's O'Byrne Cup has suffered a fresh blow with the news of Carlow's withdrawal from this weekend's clash with Laois.
Due to Sigerson Cup commitments, injuries and sickness, it has been advised that Carlow are unable to fulfil the weekend fixture.
Carlow pull out of Laois game, citing "sickness, injuries and Sigerson committments" https://t.co/qVpIeOJ0Cq #rtegaa
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) January 12, 2023
The fixture had already been rescheduled from midweek and it's the third game of the competition that's been cancelled due to a team opting out of a game.
Mickey Harte’s Louth side was one of two counties that had pulled out of fixtures earlier this week, albeit that they had already secured passage from the group stage.
As reported by RTÉ sport, Offaly manager Liam Kearns hit out at teams who were not fulfilling their scheduled fixtures.
"That's the integrity of the competition shot as far as I'm concerned!"😤
Offaly GAA boss Liam Kearns launches scathing attack on prospective semi final opponents Louth in an EXPLOSIVE interview following their victory over Dublin earlier tonight.💣
Full interview on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Oi6tau9AQm
— Clubber (@clubber) January 11, 2023
Speaking to Clubber, who is the official streaming supplier of the competition, Kearns said: "To be honest with you, I wouldn’t mind dropping out of the competition at this stage.
"We’ve had two hard games in four days. It will be a third game in eight days and our opponents have been sitting at home for the whole week.
"They withdrew from the competition here, they didn’t fulfil their last fixture. That’s the integrity of the competition shot as far as I’m concerned. If you enter a competition, you should have to fulfil your fixtures.
"They’re going to have a week of rest and we have had a very hard game here against Dublin and four days later we’re supposed to play them, and I believe it’s on in Louth as well. As far as I’m concerned, it’s a game too much for us."
