Killoe Emmet Og began the defence of their Connolly Cup title with a convincing 17-point victory over Fr Manning Gaels at Allen Park in Clonguish.
The 13-time county champions led 2-5 to 0-6 at half-time before a dominant second half display saw them win 3-15 to 0-7.
Killoe led 1-3 to 0-3 after the first quarter with Mark Hughes’ 14th minute goal separating the sides as he finished the net following a penetrating run from Ronan McGoldrick.
Fr. Manning Gaels showed plenty of urgency after the resumption and a point each from Petie Collum and Cian Cassidy as well as a Paddy Collum free restored parity on 26 minutes.
Killoe responded impressively as points from Darren Moffet and Larry Moran along with a 28th minute goal from Daniel Mimnagh opened up a five-point gap by half-time.
Connor Keenan opened Gaels’ second half account on 33 minutes and he could’ve scored a goal less than a minute later only to rattle the crossbar from close range.
The Drumlish men would fail to score for the remainder of the contest while Killoe moved nine points clear at the second water break after hitting five points without reply.
The reigning champions continued to display ruthlessness after the restart and a Ronan McGoldrick goal on 54 minutes stretched the margin to 14 points.
Killoe closed out the game in style and a brace of points from substitute Cian Dooner and another from Jonathan Borland saw them finish with 17 points to spare.
After the game Michael Cooke spoke to Killoe manager Tommy Donohue
The result sees Killoe top group A with the defending champions narrowly ahead of Mostrim on points difference.
Mostrim produced the shock result of the night beating Longford Slashers 2-19 to 0-10 while the group’s other match saw Colmcille defeat Carrickedmond 1-14 to 1-6.
