WATCH: Favourites impress in opening round of Limerick SHC

There were no major surprises in the Credit Union Limerick Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 with opening day victories for Na Piarsaigh, Kilmallock and Patrickswell.

The defending champions Na Piarsaigh got life under new manager Paul Beary off to a victorious start by beating Doon 4-15 to 1-16 at the Gaelic Grounds.

Goals from Conor Boylan, Shane Dowling, Ronan Lynch and Adrian Breen helped the Caherdavin side to the victory. Darragh O’Donovan replied with Doon’s goal.

What a finish from Shane Dowling for Na Piarsaigh! pic.twitter.com/MFAtBTIpFx

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 22, 2018

It was a similar story for Patrickswell as they saw off Adare on a 3-24 to 3-10 scoreline on Saturday at the Gaelic Grounds.

Two goals from Seanie O’Brien and one from Aaron Gillane had Gary Kirby’s side in full control of the game and although Declan Hannon (twice) and Willie Griffin raised green flags for Adare, it was as comfortable a victory as the scoreline suggests.

WATCH:

Sean O'Brien with a fine turn and finish for @patrickswellgaa's second goal of the half.

LIVE now on eir sport 2! #ClubGAA #LimerickSHC pic.twitter.com/Qfi4hlmgQz

— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 21, 2018

Kilmallock also got their season off to a winning start against Ballybrown. John Brudair’s side had 13 points to spare over the 2016 beaten finalists.

The Balbec were well in control by the time Oisin O’Reilly buried the game’s only goal midway through the second half.

WATCH:

Oisin O'Reilly fires home the first goal of the afternoon to put @KilmallockGAA in total control at the Gaelic grounds.

Live now on eir sport 2! #ClubGAA #LimerickSHC pic.twitter.com/4pnyVFDWcW

— eir Sport (@eirSport) April 21, 2018

Group 2 of got underway on Friday night in Caherconlish when Monaleen overcame a three point half deficit to beat Knockainey 0-20 to 0-16.

On Saturday evening, Ahane needed three injury time points from Tom Morrissey to see off east neighbours Cappamore 0-14 to 0-11. Ahane had been trailing for large parts of the game but Morrissey’s scoring spree saw them come out with the win.

The final senior game of the weekend saw South Liberties beat newly promoted Murroe-Boher 1-13 to 1-12. Murroe-Boher held a one point lead at the break but Liberties fought back in the second half to come away with the win.