Longford county board have apologised to the hurling clubs of Longford Slashers and Wolfe Tones after match officials failed to show up at a senior championship clash between the two last Friday night.

Wolfe Tones of Edgesworthstown and Longford Slashers were due to meet in Newtownforbes at 7.45pm, but the game wasn't played as there were no match officials in attendance at Allen Park, where top referee James McGrath was set to take charge.

County secretary Michael O'Rourke told the Longford Leader newspaper that McGrath's no-show had been down to "a breakdown in communications somewhere down the line" and the board apologised for his absence in a statement released afterwards.

"Longford GAA wish to apologise to the hurlers and supporters of Longford Slashers and Wolfe Tones for the failure of the referee to turn up at (Friday's) championship game," the statement read.

"The system of notification of referees (Servasport) for games, be it hurling or football, championship or league/adult or underage, is identical.

"Having forward an availability text, and received confirmation from the referee on Tuesday afternoon last of his ability, we subsequently did not receive any notification to suggest otherwise.

"A reminder text was also forwarded at 5.30 on Friday evening.

"Longford GAA again regret this matter which was beyond our control."

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