GAA
The Limerick senior hurling championship kicked off in style over the weekend.
Last year’s champions Kilmallock sent out a statement of intent in their opener as they put Patrickswell to the sword in Newcastle West.
A brace of quick fire goals had Patrickswell 2-1 to 0-1 to the good early on but the Balbec dominated from here as they led at the half.
Second half goals from Conor Hanley Clarke and Shane O’Brien then pulled them clear for a 14-point win.
On the same night, late goals from David Dempsey and Conor Boylan helped Na Piarsaigh overturn a five point deficit for a win over Doon.
Adare and Ahane played out a draw in the other game in group one.
Mungret St Pauls started life in the senior ranks with a three-point win over Kildimo Pallaskenry. Kyle Hayes’ first half goal was enough for a five point lead but Paul O’Brien kept Mungret in touch as his second half goal proved vital in the end.
South Liberties had a pair of points to spare over Garryspillane while a Ross Kenny goal helped Ballybrown to a 1-18 to 0-13 win over Blackrock.
Limerick SHC
Group 1
Kilmallock 2-23 : 2-9 Patrickswell
Na Piarsaigh 2-20 : 1-18 Doon
Adare 1-15 : 1-15 Ahane
Group 2
Mungret St Pauls 1-16 : 1-13 Kildimo Pallaskenry
Ballybrown 1-18 : 0-13 Blackrock
South Liberties 1-19 : 0-20 Garryspillane