Kildare started life under new manager Diane O’Hora with a fine win over Down while Clare, who were relegated from Division 2 last year, signalled their intentions for the year with a comfortable win over Sligo.
Wexford 2-13 Offaly 2-04
Wexford overcame the concession of two early goals to claim victory over Offaly in their meeting at Enniscorthy. Last year’s beaten league finalist made a good start to the game but were hit by two Offaly goals.
A goal from Ciara Banville in the 18th minute restored Wexford’s lead. The sides were level as half-time approached but Wexford got a second goal through Ciara Donnelly. The lead was six points going in at the break.
Wexford opened up a 10 point lead in the 55th minute. Offaly hit over the last score of the game; an injury-time free.
Louth 2-12 Longford 1-09
Two goals from Laura Collins earned Louth a win over Longford in their opening league game at Darver. It was a winning start for new manager Kit Henry.
Longford held a narrow one point lead in the 21st minute but three points in a row saw the Wee County take a two point lead in at the break – 1-5 to 1-3.
Louth produced a fine display after the break and asserted their superiority. Collins grabbed her second goal in the 35th minute to extend her side’s lead to six points.
Kidare 3-13 Down 0-06
It was a winning start to the league for new Kildare manager Diane O’Hora. Roisin Byrne scored an early goal for the Lillywhites.
The lead was six points at half-time – 1-7 to 0-6. Down could only manage adding two points to their score in the second half.
Neasa Dooley and Ciara Price scored second half goals for Kildare as they claimed a comfortable win.
Sligo 0-05 Clare 3-15
Relegated from Division 2 last year Clare signaled their intentions with a fine win over Sligo in their opening league game.
Lizzy Roche got the Banner County’s first goal after eight minutes had gone on the clock. Fidelma Marrinan grabbed a brace of goals as the Banner County held a 3-6 to 0-4 lead at half-time.
Clare didn’t let up with the scoring in the second half and kept the scoreboard ticking over. Sligo could only muster up one point. Sligo keeper Ellen Maguire pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the score down in the second half.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland