Michael Walsh steers Stradbally to opening win

Although it took Stradbally 20 minutes to register their first score of the 2016 championship, the Reds still had five points to spare against Ballinameela at Fraher Field on Saturday (1-10 to 1-5).

Michael Walsh, who is searching for his 10th county medal this season, acted as midfield conductor while front men Shane Ahearne (1-3) and Michael Sweeney (0-4) were also on song.

Last year’s intermediate champions set the pace with three early points consisting two Jim Curran frees and a fisted effort by Brendan Phelan. Two frees from Sweeney stabilised the holders and Walsh curled in the leveller on 23 minutes. A minute later, Ahearne shook the cobwebs to leave it 1-3 to 0-3 at halfway.