Cats catch Galway napping

All-Ireland champions Galway got their League Division 1 campaign off to the worst possible start falling to a determined Kilkenny outfit in Ballinasloe.

The Noresiders had the memory of their All-Ireland final loss to the westerners to motivate them and flew out of the traps, doing most of the damage in the first half before easing to a 2-11 to 0-8 success.

It was easy for Offaly as they beat Tipperary 2-17 to 0-10 in Birr. The home team played against the wind in the opening period, at the end of which they trailed by just 0-8 to 0-6. Nicole Walsh, who finished with five points, was Tipp’s top scorer but once Offaly got the wind in their sails, there was no doubt.