New York GAA has expressed its disappointment over the Australia International Rules team's decision to cancel a warm up match at their Rocklands venue this weekend.

Australia, currently en route to play Ireland next Saturday night at Croke Park, had initially refused to play at Gaelic Park because of the artificial surface but indicated that they would play at Rocklands this weekend.

However, after yesterday's pitch inspection by an independent body, the AFL informed the GAA that the surface wasn't suitable for "elite" professionals.

"We were very disappointed as there was so much effort put into this," McGrath told The Irish Daily Star.

"And especially for all the young American kids who were set up to play games on the day and looking forward to seeing the Australians.

"They told us the pitch was not up to scratch. The referee's opinion wasn't taken into account. We thought it was just a run-out. They trained at Central Park this week."

Cavan referee Joe McQuillan had been flown out to New York by Croke Park this week to take charge of the game.

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