Burns on song for new-look Cork

NATIONAL league champions Cork enjoyed a winning start to their Division One campaign against Galway at Kinvara yesterday.

Cork 3-9 Galway 0-7

Former minor Sile Burns was the most impressive Cork performer, scoring 2-2, as manager John Considine’s new-look side proved too strong for their hosts.

Mary O’Connor at full-back, debutante Regina Curtin at midfield, Vivienne Harris and Ciara Healy, who notched 1-3 from the corner, also played significant roles for the visitors.

Cork played against the wind in the first half and led 2-3 to 0-6, with UL’s Ashbourne player Orla Kilkelly emerging as the home side’s top scorer.

All-Ireland champions Tipperary defeated Limerick by seven points, 2-5 to 0-4, in their Division One tie at the Ragg.

Fielding just six of last September’s title winning side, Tipperary proved they possess talent in abundance.

Captain Joanne Ryan, playing at full forward, was top-scorer with 1-4 and newcomer Jill Horan scored Tipp’s opening goal after 24 minutes.

Elsewhere, Cork’s second string proved too powerful for Galway in Division Two, emerging victorious by 2-11 to 0-7 at Kinvara.

Also in Division 2, at The Ragg, Tipperary had to give way to a stronger Armagh outfit, 3-5 to 1-3, with the inspirational Donna McCluskey hitting a hat-trick for the northerners.

Kilkenny went down to Offaly, 2-8 to 2-4, while Mairin McAleenan also raised three green flags for Down as they easily overcame Meath, 3-12 to 1-6.

Kildare had 11 points to spare over Roscommon, 2-8 to 0-3, in Newbridge.