Ó Sé's Clare side off to good start

Páidí Ó Sé's first league game in charge of Clare ended in a 0-17 to 0-9 victory as centre forward Michael O'Shea hit two crucial late scores against Carlow.

The Banner men looked well on course for the win at the interval at Dr Cullen Park. They led 0-10 to 0-5 by that stage.

Carlow were forced to launch a fight back and two points from corner back Mark Nolan, a goal from Éire Óg clubman Derek Hayden in the 41st minute and a brace of Brian Kelly points saw the sides level.

Ronan McGrath set up Hayden's goal with a well-timed pass.

O'Shea's scores, coming in a five-point burst from the visitors, kept Clare's hands on the two league points.

Carlow were badly let down by their full-forward line of Simon Rea, Mark Carpenter and Kelly, who did score four frees. The line failed to score from play. Much credit for that must go to Clare full-back Conor Whelan.

Ó Sé said afterwards: "I'm trying to build a team that will be physically strong and able to move the ball. We did that for some of the game.

"I thought we showed great character by reeling off the last five points to win clearly."

At Hyde Park, Monaghan took an opening-day win, beating Roscommon 2-11 to 1-10, with Thomas Freeman and Ciarán Hanratty scoring their goals.

A late green flag from Seamus O'Neill raised Roscommon's hopes, despite their having Michael Finneran sent-off. Monaghan, who had Paul Finlay red-carded, held on for the points.

Elsewhere in Division 2B, Longford emerged as 5-19 to 0-8 victors over an outclassed London side, and Leitrim surprised Offaly with a one-point defeat.