Everton may be returning to European football in the continent’s secondary competition, but they have been drawn in a group worthy of the Champions League, according to one of the men plotting their downfall.

Newcestown 2-14 Blarney 1-14

FOURTEEN points from out-half Craig Ronaldson in a 10-minute spell before the break sparked a Lansdowne revival that eventually consigned Old Belvedere to their third straight loss in Division 1A of the Ulster Bank League on the main pitch of the Aviva Stadium last night.

Tony Hayes (K Club) set the pace after the opening round of the 54 holes Irish Seniors Amateur Close Championship, sponsored by Tourism Malaysia, when he shot a one under par 71 at Roscommon Golf Club.

The Irish Amateur Close Championship at Westport Golf Club