All-Ireland senior champions Cork produced a power-packed second half performance to return to the semi-finals after a 2-17 to 0-10 victory over Tipperary in Thurles on Saturday.

National Camogie League champions Kilkenny lost the opening game of their title defence with a four-point reversal against Cork at the Mardyke yesterday (0-9 to 0-5).

Cork 1-10 Clare 0-6: Cork have enjoyed countless close tussles with Clare in the past few seasons and it was more of the same for the All-Ireland champions at the Cork Camogie Grounds on Saturday. Paudie Murray’s side lost to the Bannerwomen in the semi-final of last year’s league but on this occasion, they held the upper hand to bag a first-round win.