GAA Round-Up: O'Byrne Cup
Yesterday saw the start of the 2014 GAA season. There was action in all four provinces. First up, Leinster got things rolling with the Bord na Móna O'Byrne Cup. Last year's champions Kildare were in action against Athlone IT and last year's All-Ireland Champions Dublin were in action against Westmeath.
Dublin were 0-12 to 0-11 winners over Westmeath with late scores from Eric Lowndes and Ciaran Kilkenny. The Dubs led by 0-06 to 0-05 at half- time but Westmeath moved 0-09 to 0-08 ahead on the restart, but couldn't fend off a Dublin fight back as the Dubs started 2014 with a win.
In Group B, reigning O'Byrne Cup champions Kildare had a comfortable 4-24 to 0-12 win over Athlone IT. Goals from Eoghan O'Flaherty and Adam Tyrell gave Kildare a huge lead of 2-14 to 0-03 at half time.
Longford impressed in their 1-19 to 2-07 win over Carlow. Longford raced to a 1-13 to 0-00 at half time but Carlow fought hard in the second half with goals from Shane McGrath and Seamus Kinsella, however this wasn't to be enough.
In Group A, goals in either half from Kevin O'Grady saw Wexford to a comfortable 2-13 to 0-11 win over Laois. The weather didn't stop an improving Wexford side who will definitely post a tough task for any opposition come championship time.
Offaly got off to a winning start, with a close 0-13 to 0-12 points win over UCD. Offaly led by 0-10 to 0-05 at half-time and the Students launched a strong comeback in the second half, with the sides tied with ten minutes remaining. However Offaly finished strongly.
In Group C , Meath claimed a 4-11 to 1-14 win over DIT. Mickey Newman and Dalton McDonagh both netted in the opening half as Meath lead 2-6 to 0-06 at half time. DIT worked hard to cut the gap on the restart, with a Niall Scully score leaving four points between the sides. David Larkin completed the Royals' hat-trick soon after and Meath finished the stronger with McDonagh netting Meaths fourth goal of the day late on.
Wicklow were made work hard for a 1-09 to 0-11 win over IT Carlow. Also in group D on Saturday night, DCU ran out comfortable winners over Louth on a scoreline of 1-15 to 0-09.