HOLDERS Doon and Na Piarsaigh played themselves to a standstill in the opening round of the Limerick Senior Hurling Championship at Kilmallock’s Fitzgerald Park.
While both teams had late chances of the victory, a share of the spoils was the fairest outcome: Doon 1-19, Na Piarsaigh 2-16.
Na Piarsaigh were without two sets of brothers, namely Mike and Peter Casey and Jerome and Conor Boylan.
In their absence, Ronan Lynch, Vince Harrington, William O’Donoghue, Keith Dempsey (1-2), Kevin Downes (1-7), and substitute Will Henn all showed-up well.
Doon were very reliant on Adam English (1-7), but there were other notable scorers too in Darragh O’Donovan, Chris Thomas, Pat Ryan Simon, and Jack Ryan.
Elsewhere in Group One, Kilmallock were comfortable 0-23 to 0-18 winners over Patickswell in Newcastle West.
Shane O’Brien struck 10 points for the victors, for whom Micheál Houlihan hugely impressed in the number 11 jersey.
And, goal-hungry Ballybrown toppled Ahane, 5-18 to 1-23, in Claughaun.
The goals flowed through Barry Adams (2), Bryan Griffin (2), and captain Aidan O’Connor.
In Group Two, impressive Monaleen had the measure of Adare (1-20 to 0-18) in Fedamore.
Donnacha O’Dálaigh (1-2,) Matthew Fitzgerald (0-5), and Andrew La Touche Cosgrave (0-4), and Lorcan Lyons (0-4) all hit neat scores for Eoin Brislane’s team.
Elsewhere, newcomers Newcastle West came from well off the pace to finish tied with Mungret St. Paul’s at Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale, 2-14 to 1-17.
The outstanding Eoin Hurley hit a crucial 1-4 for the Magpies.
And, Kildimo Pallaskenry skipped past Dromin Athlacca 3-16 to 0-18 in Ballyagran.
The goals came from the impressive Rob O’Farrell, Peter Nash, and Jack O’Keeffe.
Round two will take place across next weekend.
