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Limerick manager John Kiely in Mallow.

Fog wreaks havoc with postponements in GAA and racing, Galway-Offaly abandoned

Munster Hurling League, Walsh Cup and racing at Naas all affected.

LAST UPDATE | 7 Jan

THE WALSH CUP hurling clash between Offaly and Galway has been abandoned during the second half amidst heavy fog in Tullamore.

Galway were leading 4-15 to 1-11 when the match was suspended “due to worsening conditions after 55 minutes,” as per Leinster GAA.

Galway GAA say the decision is to be taken by Leinster to confirm if the result will stand.

Henry Shefflin’s side were 3-11 to 1-8 ahead at half time after goals from John Cooney, Martin McManus and Declan McLoughlin. Charlie Mitchell raised Offaly’s green flag in the 22nd minute, with the scoreline 1-6 to 1-3 at that point.

Jason Flynn — who also hit several points — fired home a penalty in the 52nd minute to make it 4-15 to 1-11. The game was abandoned shortly afterwards. 

eoin-ryan-and-paul-mcnally-inspect-the-pitch-ahead-of-the-game The pitch at Mallow today. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO

Two other Walsh Cup fixtures, Carlow v Kilkenny and Westmeath v Antrim, were also called off. 

Carlow-Kilkenny, which was due to be played at Netwatch Cullen Park, will now take place at 8pm on Tuesday in SETU Carlow.

Westmeath-Antrim was due to take place in Kinnegad.

Earlier, the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League meeting of Cork and Limerick was postponed.

Heavy fog at the Mallow venue proved too dense to proceed with throw-in this afternoon.

A new date has yet to be confirmed with both sides in action again shortly.

Reigning All-Ireland champions Limerick play Clare on Wednesday night in Clarecastle, while Cork face The Banner County next Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn.

Racing was also affected, with Sunday’s high-class meeting at Naas called off after just one race due to fog.

The Kildare track had been the subject of two morning inspections, with officials calling an initial check at 7.30am due to the threat of frost, with the ground perfectly raceable at that stage although visibility was limited.

A second inspection was held at 9.30am, with the fixture eventually getting the go-ahead just before 11am.

a-general-view-of-the-foggy-conditions-as-racing-is-called-off A general view of the foggy conditions at Naas Racecourse. Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

However, conditions deteriorated ahead of the first race, with the start delayed before it eventually took place in thick fog, offering racegoers and television viewers only a couple of glimpses of action.

An inquiry was called immediately afterwards, and after consulting with trainers and jockeys, the stewards declared an early halt to proceedings.

The card was due to feature the Grade One Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle, which is now set for Friday along with the remaining races.

- Additional reporting by Press Association

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