WATCH: Na Piarsaigh begin defence of SHC title with victory over Doon

Last season’s Credit Union senior hurling champions Na Piarsaigh have started the 2018 in winning fashion by beating Doon 4-15 to 1-16 in their Group 1 game at the Gaelic Grounds.

A Conor Boylan goal had Na Piarsaigh 1-9 to 0-10 up at half time and further efforts from Shane Dowling and Ronan Lynch put Paul Beary’s charges in firm control heading into the final stages.

A Darragh O’Donovan goal from a free threatened a late comeback but Adrian Breen put pay to that with Na Piarsaigh’s fourth goal of the game.

Na Piarsaigh have beaten Doon in a goal fest in the Gaelic Grounds! Watch the Full-Time Highlights here on GAANOW! pic.twitter.com/wCJj3I1tV8

— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 22, 2018

Elsewhere in the Group 2 of the SHC, South Liberties saw off the challenge of Murroe-Boher on a 1-13 to 1-12 win in Cappamore.

In the LIT Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship there were wins for Feohanagh, Mungret St Pauls and Garryspillane. Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Bruff drew 2-18 apiece.

Meanwhile, in the Nick Grene Sportsgrounds Maintenance Intermediate Hurling Championship, Dromin-Athlacca, Croom, Granagh-Ballingarry, Effin and St Patrick’s tasted victory in their first round games.