Nh Mairtin began the defence of their Cardinal O'Donnell Cup crown at home to Sean O'Mahonys on Sunday but it proved to be a disappointing afternoon as the Dundalk men recorded a 1-12 to 0-13 win.

The teams traded points throughout the first half but it was a goal from Stephen Fisher that gave the visitors the edge as they led by 1-7 to 0-6 at half time.

With the help of points from Ben McLaughlin and Stephen Kilcoyne the O'Mahonys went six clear near the end before the Mairtins kicked the last four points.

However, despite efforts from JP Rooney and Conor Whelan they were unable to complete the comeback and the Seans held on for a two-point win.

Newtown Blues caught the eye on the opening day of the Division 1 campaign as they defeated Geraldines by 2-18 to 0-6 at Haggardstown.

The county champions were never in danger at any stage of this game as a dominant first half saw them turn around with a 1-10 to 0-1 lead as Ross Nally scored the opening goal of the game.

Conor Rafferty helped the Gers improve after the break but the Blues were always in command and Conor Branigan sealed the win with a second goal.

Clan na Gael kicked the last six points of an entertaining game to clinch a 1-10 to 2-7 draw at home to St Patricks with Robbie Curran landing the final score.

The home side got off to the brighter start and when Mark McGeown hit the first goal of the game they were a point in front. However, a late Conor Grogan goal and a Paddy Keenan point helped the Pats lead by 1-7 to 1-4 at half time.

When Danny O'Connor hit the net from a penalty just after the break it looked as if his side was on course for a comfortable win. However, they failed to add to that tally and the Clans claimed a share of the spoils thanks to efforts from Curran, Micheal McDonnell and Jason Cullen.

Dreadnots also got off to a winning start in the Division 1 League as they proved too strong for Cooley Kickhams and came out with a 1-15 to 0-10 win.

Pauric Smith and Fearghal Malone were in impressive scoring form throughout for their respective teams but it was the Clogherhead men who led by 0-7 to 0-5 at the break.

Cooley were unable to sustain that effort in the second half and their challenge faded as points from James Califf and Peter Kirwan along with a goal from Carl Monaghan saw the Dreadnots finish with an eight point winning margin.

St Brides returned to Division 1 football on Sunday evening but it was Dundalk Gaels who spoiled the party as they returned from Knockbridge with a 0-11 to 0-8 win.

Points from Eanna McArdle, Chris Sweeney and Gerard McSorley helped the Gaels to lead by 0-6 to 0-2 at the break with Kevin Hearty and Paddy Reilly responding for the Brides.

The Brides fought back in the second half and late points from Aaron Hoey and Hearty helped reduce the gap to just two before McSorley fired over the final point of the game to settle the issue.

Mattock Rangers maintained their strong start to the season when they emerged as 2-10 to 0-14 winners over St Marys in Ardee.

Mark Fay was in fine scoring form for the home side but it was a goal from David Reid that ensured the Collon men went into the break leading by 1-5 to 0-6.

Just after the break Ben McKenna got in for a second goal and that gave Mattock strong advantage.

The Marys hit back in the final quarter but they were unable to rescue the game.

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