As the throw-in time of 1.30pm approached, it became clear that both clubs were holding firm in their threat to not show up in a protest over player welfare.

The hurlers of Clonkill and Raharney were the victims of their own success by qualifying for both Minor and Senior finals, which were scheduled as a double-bill.

But with both teams having an overlap of players the two clubs sought for the game to be postponed through a joint-letter on Thursday.

@MidlandsSport no teams and no crowd. pic.twitter.com/JxMdPmrTdn

— Chloe (@ChloeK237) October 18, 2015

A statement on the Raharney Facebook page the following day said:

“As a club we are very proud of our minor and senior players having reached their respective finals and our only wish is that every player achieve their maximum potential in both finals.

“In our efforts to promote our game of Hurling to the highest standard, we believe that is totally unfair to ask Minor Hurlers to play 120 minutes, across two matches in succession on the one day.”

The club also shared two posts about player welfare, including one from the GAA’s website.

However the County Board were unmoved, leaving Board officials and the refereeing team standing in an empty Cusack Park this afternoon.

A few hours later the Senior teams arrived, with Clonkill winning their 14th title.

Raharney 1-10 Clonkill 1-14 full time

— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) October 18, 2015