Brian Crowe has defended his decision to postpone Sunday's Allianz NFL game at Ballinascreen 30 minutes before the planned throw-in.

The Cavan referee said that he waited on the arrival of both Derry and Monaghan teams before making a decision to call the game off.

He stressed, however, while an inspection was carried out at 1300GMT on the pitch which was covered with water in places, the Monaghan team did not arrive until an hour later.

Monaghan had prepared for the game earlier in the day and arrived changed for the game, and had planned just to warm-up before playing.

In view of the safety of players, we could not proceed with the game. Brian Crowe

Up until then, it was rated only 50-50 whether the game would go ahead.

''I waited until the Monaghan team arrived at about 1355,'' said Crowe.

''I got hold of Monaghan manager Colm Coyle and Derry's Mickey Moran and went out onto the pitch to carry out another inspection.

''It was then that I formed the opinion with both team mangers that in view of the safety of players, which is paramount nowadays, we could not proceed with the game.''

Meanwhile, St. Malachy's Castlewellan walked off with a triple award from Croke Park on Monday and a financial boost of �11,000.

They were made the 2002 AIB GAA Club of the Year as well the Down County award and the provincial award for Ulster.

The judges noted that 600-strong club had progressive strategic plans in place, in particular, their plans for developing club facilities.

St Malachy's is also noted for its strong community focus.