There were no major shocks as the Tipperary SFC got underway, with holders Clonmel Commercials and leading rivals Loughmore-Castleiney among those recording first round victories.

Patrick ‘Bonner’ Maher has recovered from the rib injury he picked up in the semi-final win over Cork and will be available for next month’s All-Ireland SHC final against Kilkenny.

Galway’s All-Ireland U21-winning midfielder Fiontain Ó Curraoin has been named in the side for the opening defence of their crown in tomorrow night’s Cadbury’s Connacht U21FC quarter-final against Mayo in McHale Park but remains a major doubt due to an ankle injury.

The double-jobbing with hurling teams over the past couple of months has created a frantic schedule for Donagh O’Donnell.

ANTRIM hurling manager Dinny Cahill has targeted a victory for the Saffrons over Offaly in the first round of the Leinster championship.