The hurling championships got up and running last weekend. Kiltale's 'Drive for 5' is very much on. Kildalkey made light work of Kilmessan. Killyon showed their experience to see off Ratoath. A brilliant win for Longwood and rare victories for Boardsmill and Blackhall.

Here is our first hurling team of the week for 2018:

1 Cian O'Neill (Kilmessan): A first senior championship start for the youngster and didn't look out of place, making a couple of good saves, while his puck-outs were very accurate

2 Stephen Clynch (Kilmessan): Never fails to deliver for his club. The former great excelled in the full back line despite that loss. His high fielding and deliveries were a joy to watch.

3 Chris Lynch (Longwood): An excellent performance on the edge of the square as Longwood got their campaign off to a winning start against Trim in Athboy

4 Niall Weir (Boardsmill): The star of the show as 'The Mill' recorded a rare SHC victory at Lomans Park. Broke up numerous O'Mahonys attacks and chipped in with three points from frees.

5 Ciaran Fitzsimons (Clann na nGael): The main reason Clanns came out on top against Drumree was down to his performance. Started well at wing back, but really excelled when switched to centre back

6 Darragh Kelly (Ratoath): Once again immense at the heart of the Ratoath defence despite that loss to Killyon. The county man hit three points from play in that 2-15 to 1-16 defeat.

7 Adam Gannon (Killyon): Capped a fine display with three points from play in that exciting win over Ratoath at headquarters.

8 Stephen Morris (Blackhall Gaels): Scored five points from play and ran the show from the centre of the park as the Gaels recorded an important and crucial win over Dunderry at Trim.

9 Evan Fittzgerald (Kildalkey): Chipped in with three points during the 2-19 to 0-14 win over Kilmessan and was prominent in many of Kildalkey's attacks over the course of the hour

10  Jack Regan (Kiltale): Scored 0-12 for the champions from play and placed balls, a central figure in the holders opening round win.

11 Eoin Lynch (Longwood): A quite brilliant performance by the centre-forward who scored nine points in that excellent win over Trim

12 Donal Flattery (Boardsmill): His goal after 37 minutes put Boardsmill in front for the first time, and two points proved crucial as O'Mahonys were sent packing at Trim

13 Nicholas Potterton (Kildalkey): Another senior championship debutant to make the team of the week, scored 1-2 and didn't look out of depth in the senior ranks

14 Derek Doran (Kildalkey): Duxie's return from injury is a massive boost to Kildalkey's quest of lifting the Jubliee Cup. Continued his excellent league form with 1-4 from play against Kilmessan

15 Mikey Mullen (Killyon): The former Meath minor was very impressive, scoring 1-7, as Killyon overcame Ratoath in the game of the opening round at Pairc Tailteann.

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