Gaels hit Boyle for six first half goals in Roscommon SFC

Roscommon's Enda Smith signs autographs for fans after the defeat to Monaghan ©INPHO/James Crombie

Last year's Roscommon SFC runners-up Boyle conceded a whopping six goals in their opening round clash with Roscommon Gaels on Saturday.

Spectators at Abbey Park were reaching for the record books after a Peter Gillooly hat-trick and further majors from Kieran Kilcline, Richie Walsh and John McManus propelled the recently-crowned O'Rourke Cup champions into a scarcely believable 6-2 to 0-6 half-time lead.

Boyle pulled goals back through Daire Cregg and Enda Smith (penalty) in the second half, but the Gaels still ran out comfortable 6-8 to 2-12 winners.

Champions Strokestown also suffered an early setback when they were well beaten by Clann na nGael, 0-10 to 3-13, in Johnstown. In nearby Kiltoom, late points from Ronan Stack and Shane Cunnane ('45) saw St Brigid's edge out local rivals Padraig Pearses by 0-11 to 0-9.