Westmeath county board chairman Séamus Whelan has expressed his disappointment after an administrative oversight led to the county's hurlers not being represented at this week's championship launch.

Twelve county captains, including Antrim's Karl McKeegan, attended the function at Croke Park on Wednesday.

Westmeath, it turns out, were not informed about the launch. It became evident yesterday a mistake was made in inviting Antrim as the Northern county play in the Christy Ring Cup this season.

Antrim had the option of staying in the top tier by winning the Ulster championship but due to their lack of competitiveness (albeit before recent league form) a unanimous decision was taken by the county board to drop down a level.

Westmeath qualified for the Liam MacCarthy Cup by winning the inaugural Christy Ring Cup in 2005.

"We are very disappointed not to receive an invitation but have since received a fulsome apology from the PR company involved and they also accepted full responsibility," said Whelan.

"Having won the Christy Ring Cup last year we have earned the right to compete in the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

"Granted, we may not be favourites but we feel let down that nobody contacted us. It is unfair and very shabby treatment for a minnow county.

"I've had a lot of Westmeath hurling people on the phone this morning and I know (hurling manager) Séamus Qualter is very disappointed."

Whelan also confirmed that Dessie Dolan and Rory O'Connell, two of Westmeath's three All Star footballers, were both in the Mater hospital this week for operations.

Dolan has been ruled out for three months due to a Gilmore's groin problem - involving a tear of the adductor muscles, usually high up near the attachment to the pubic bone - while O'Connell was forced to retire from football earlier this year due to a persistent back injury.

The hurling panel also has a long list of injuries, including rising stars Killian Cosgrave - who also requires a back operation.