Griffin goal fires Adare as three-goal Russell shows way for Na Piarsaigh

CHAMPIONS Adare got off to a winning start in their bid for a four in-a-row in the Limerick senior hurling championship.

They trailed Garryspillane 0-9 to 0-6 at half-time but a Willie Griffin goal in the 38th minute saw them ease to a 1-20 to 0-11 win last evening in Kilmallock.

Also last evening, last season’s beaten finalists Na Piarsaigh were 5-14 to 0-6 winners over Claughaun.

Bradley Russell helped himself to a hat-trick of goals for the Caherdavin side.

Divisional side Emmets were 1-16 to 1-10 winners over Doon, while Patrickswell overcame Bruff 2-14 to 0-15, thanks to goals from Brian Murray and Timmy Sheehan.

Tony Considine’s reign as Kilmallock manager started with a draw against Ahane, 2-12 to 1-15.

Andrew O’Shaughnessy and substitute Jake Mulcahy goaled for Kilmallock, while Niall Moran ensured the draw for Ahane when he pointed from a line ball in injury-time.

Knockainey were too strong for intermediate champions South Liberties. Padraig Barron scored both goals as they ran out 2-16 to 0-11 winners in Bruff.

Last season’s semi-finalists Murroe-Boher were 2-15 to 1-11 winners over Granagh-Ballingarry. They led 1-6 to 0-7 at half-time but a second half penalty from Paudie McNamara increased their advantage.

An Eoin Chawke goal and points from Denis O’Connor failed to reduce the lead as brothers Sean and Pat Tobin lofted over points.

Also on this group, Bruree had a 0-8 to 0-7 success over Croom with free-takers Donal Deady and Thomas Carmody dominating.