Last year's All-Ireland club champions Clarinbridge have been sensationally knocked out of the Galway SHC.

A new structure was introduced this year which sees teams who are beaten in the first round miss out on qualification for the group stages, but given a second chance in a backdoor series. And after losing to Beagh in the first round, Clarinbridge exited the championship following a 1-9 to 1-14 defeat to Mullagh yesterday.

Clarinbridge could have few complaints after trailing for most of the game to a Craig Finnerty goal. Eoin Forde came off the bench to score 1-2, but it wasn't enough to save the maroon and whites, who now face a relegation battle.

In the battle of two former All-Ireland champions, Athenry defeated Kiltormer 0-15 to 0-7 to prolong their championship interest. St. Thomas', who lost narrowly to holders Gort in the first round, are also safely through to the group stage after beating Liam Mellows 1-19 to 1-13, as are Padraig Pearses who scored a surprise 2-12 to 2-11 victory over Carnmore. Tweet

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