WATCH: Na Piarsaigh, Patrickswell and Kilmallock earn wins round one of SHC

Champions of the Bon Secours Limerick SHC for the last two years Na Piarsaigh got their 2019 campaign off to a winning start by beating South Liberties 4-20 to 0-10 in Mungret.

Michael Ryan’s side went through the gears to see off a Liberties side that began the game well.

However, once Kevin Downes netted their first goal of the game, the result was never in doubt.

David Dempsey added a second goal for Na Piarsaigh and that helped them to a 2-8 to 0-6 lead at half time.

The Caherdavin side upped the pace in the second half and further goals from Conor Boylan and Peter Casey sealed an impressive win.

Patrickswell also got their championship season off to a win after beating Doon 1-13 to 0-10 in Kilmallock.

The sides were deadlocked at 0-7 apiece at half time but John Flynn’s goal seven minutes into the second half proved crucial for the ‘Well.

Doon’s cause wasn’t helped by the red cards picked up by Richie English and Darragh Stapleton in the final 10 minutes.

Kilmallock were also winners in Group 1 after seeing off Adare on a 0-18 to 0-13 scoreline in Bruff.

Adare led by a point after the opening half hour (0-8 to 0-7) but didn’t make full use of a strong breeze in their favour.

Kilmallock handled the conditions much better and cruised to a five point win. Michael Houlihan top scored with 0-7 for John Brudair’s side, while Graeme Mulcahy hit 0-3 from play.

In Group 2, Ballybrown and Monaleen picked up victories over Knockainey and Ahane respectively, while Garryspillane and Murroe-Boher played out an entertaining 2-12 to 0-18 draw.