Commercials open title defence in emphatic style

There were no major shocks as the Tipperary SFC got underway, with holders Clonmel Commercials and leading rivals Loughmore-Castleiney among those recording first round victories.

Aidan McGrath’s goal after 11 minutes put Loughmore-Castleiney in the driving seat against neighbours Drom-Inch at The Ragg, and they were 1-8 to 0-4 clear after 24 minutes. Drom recovered somewhat with a David Butler goal but were still 1-6 to 1-11 adrift at half-time. It was all one-way traffic in the second half as Loughmore pulled away steadily for a 1-19 to 1-9 win.

County champions Clonmel Commercials were emphatic winners, 3-22 to 0-7, over Ardfinnan, with a host of inter-county men underlining their title-retaining potential.