A much altered team from that which so stylishly won last year's edition of the Live 95FM Limerick Senior Hurling Championship for Adare was still too strong for Murroe/Boher in the opening contest of the winners' section at the Gaelic Grounds.

Between self-imposed exile in the United States and injuries, Adare were without around six of the starting side, which easily disposed of neighbours Croom at the same venue eight months earlier. Limerick skipper Mark Foley looked perfectly at home in the heart of the Adare defence and his was somewhat fortuitous goal, as early as the 10th minute, that ultimately had a major bearing on the outcome.

Adare led only 1-3 to 0-5 at the break and were only two points ahead at the finish, with Murroe/Boher far too reliant on freetaker Kevin Tobin for scores.

The major surprise of the round was the defeat suffered by last year's beaten finalists Croom, who fell on the sword of Granagh/Ballingarry at Fitzgerald Park in Kilmallock. In a contest in which the sides were tied on three occasions, Granagha/Ballingarry–intermediate champions only three years back–came through 2-15 to 0-15.

Goals for the winners came in either half through Michael Clancy and young Eoin Chawke. Doon enjoyed a most satisfying 1-16 to 0-15 victory over championship specialists Patrickswell at Bruff, with Niall Maher delivering an outstanding ten points for the easterners.

In the thick of the action all through for Doon also was midfielder Denis Moloney, who underlined his current top form with two beautiful long-range frees. The game's only goal was a peach from Micheál Ryan, near the end of the first half.

A bumper crowd turned-up for the second outing at Bruff, a real traditional derby between the greatest of modern day rivals 2005 winners Garryspillane and Kilmallock. Paudie O'Dwyer, Bryan O'Sullivan and Eoin Ryan grabbed opening-half goals for Kilmallock to put them out of sight, only for Garryspillane to turn matters right around with a points salvo of their own, led by the ageless TJ Ryan.

Ultimately, Kilmallock prevailed by just two points after a wonderful hour's entertainment, 3-13 to 0-20.

Making progress via the back door route were Tournafulla, Ahane, Na Piarsaigh and Western Gaels.

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