Westmeath are to seek permission to play their Leinster SFC quarterfinal against Dublin at TEG Cusack Park.

The Lake County were drawn out first in the draw this week and in doing so, should have home advantage against the reigning All-Ireland champions.

However, Leinster GAA rules state that if the Dubs are playing a provincial game outside of the capital then one of four designated grounds will be used – Nowlan Park, O’Moore Park, O’Connor Park or Wexford Park.

Speculation has increased that O’Connor Park, Tullamore will be the venue for the clash, but Westmeath chairman Billy Foley told the Westmeath Independent that he thinks they should contact Leinster Council and urge them to reconsider hosting the game at TEG Cusack Park.

“There is a directive there from Leinster GAA stating that only four venues outside Dublin are sanctioned to host Dublin games,” said Foley.

“We haven’t discussed the matter but personally I think we should write a letter to Leinster Council requesting that the game be played at Cusack Park.

“Cusack Park has been reduced down to a 11,500 capacity to adhere to health and safety regulations and I think it would more than be suitable to host the game. It would mean so much to the GAA supporters within the county to welcome the All-Ireland champions to Westmeath, not to mention the boost to the local businesses would get from the fixture.

“We’ll be making a strong case to get the fixture to Cusack Park but at the end of the day, the decision will be with the Leinster Council.”

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