KILKENNY have pulled out of the Walsh Cup following the tragic death of captain Lester Ryan's father Johnny in a farm accident on Wednesday.
The Cats were scheduled to play twice this weekend, against NUI Galway on Friday and against Carlow on Sunday, but both games have now been cancelled with a brief statement on the Leinster GAA facebook page confirming: "Kilkenny have withdrawn from the Bord na Mona Walsh Cup."
Mr Ryan, who was in his 60s, passed away after his tractor rolled back, pinning him to a wall.
Himself an accomplished hurler, the late Mr Ryan had won a county title with Clara in 1986.
In the absence of Kilkenny; Carlow and NUI Galway will now meet in a Group One playoff on Friday at 7pm.
The incident is the second tragedy to hit Kilkenny hurling in recent days, and follows the disappearance of Derek Tyrrell, a cousin of hurlers Tommy Walsh and Jackie Tyrrell.
It is believed Derek was swept away by the river Nore early on Sunday morning.