Holders Loughmore put down a marker

Loughmore-Castleiney 3-22 Mullinahone 0-14

They were in control from the start, John McGrath’s goal after nine minutes easing them 1-4 to 0-0 clear.

Even with the aid of the breeze, Mullinahone struggled to get into the game. Points from Eoin Kelly (3) and Jack Shelley (2) got them moving, but by half-time, Loughmore were 1-12 to 0-7 ahead, thanks to fine finishing by John and Noel McGrath and Evan Sweeney.