Holders Na Piarsaigh had to settle for a share of the spoils with South Liberties in their opening Limerick SHC defence in Claughaun at the weekend.

Goals from Adrian Breen and David Sheppard looked to have given the understrength champions victory until Mark Keane netted in injury-time to earn South Liberties a 1-16 to 2-13 draw.

Championship favourites Kilmallock signalled their intent with an impressive 2-16 to 0-8 victory over local rivals Knockainey in Bruff. Tony Considine's charges laid the foundations for their win in the opening half when goals from Paudie O'Dwyer and Kevin O'Neill helped them to a 2-8 to 0-6 lead.

A late Kevin O'Brien goal handed Patrickswell a 1-14 to 1-13 victory over newly-promoted Effin, while the meeting of Croom and Hospital-Herbertstown also finished level, 3-6 to 1-12.

The shock of the weekend came in Newcastle West where Granagh-Ballingarry defeated Adare 3-10 to 1-14 with the winners' goals coming from Niall Kennedy, Denis O'Connor and Kevin O'Connor. Garryspillane also caused a surprise when 11 points from Donie Ryan helped them to a 1-17 to 2-11 triumph over Doon.

In the other first round games, Emmets defeated Bruree 3-10 to 1-11, while a brace of Sean Tobin goals proved decisive in Murroe-Boher's 2-15 to 1-14 victory over Ahane. Tweet

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