Antrim began their Christy Ring Cup campaign with a convincing 3-20 to 0-17 dismissal of Kildare in Parnell Park on Saturday.
The 2006 winners made light of the absence of Liam Watson, who pulled out of the panel after being "disillusioned" with the set-up, as they cantered past the Lilywhites.
After PJ O’Mullan’s decision to step down away, it's a good start for the management team of Terence McNaughton, Dominic McKinley, Neal Peden, and Gary O’Kane.
London gained revenge for their quarter-final defeat to Down last year as they turned over the hosts in Ballycran.
The Exiles slayed the Mourne Men 2-17 to 2-12 in an exciting battle.
Meath had too much for Wicklow in round one last season and so it proved again as they coasted to a 3-18 to 2-12 success.
Last year's Nicky Rackard Cup victors Roscommon began life in the higher tier with a 2-20 to 0-15 dismissal of Derry.
Derry were beaten finalsist last year but they started on the wrong foot on Saturday as the Rossies prevailed in Athleague.
Meanhwile, in the Nicky Rackard Cup Mayo dual star Keith Higgins made a triumphant return as they crushed Tyrone 4-19 to 0-17 in Carrickmore.
Last year's runners-up Armagh and 2013 champions Donegal played a out a cracking tie in the Athletic Grounds, with the Orchard edging it 2-19 to 3-13.
Monaghan swept past Fermanagh 5-12 to 1-12 in Brewster Park, while Fingal hit the ground running as they beat Longford by 3-21 to 3-15.
In the Lory Meaghar Cup Louth defeated Sligo by 0-22 to 1-15 in Darver, while in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada Warwickshire had too much for Leitrim as they romped to a 3-19 to 1-15 win.
RESULTS
Christy Ring Cup
Antrim 3-20 Kildare 0-17
Down 2-12 London 2-17
Meath 3-18 Wicklow 2-12
Roscommon 2-20 Derry 0-15
Nicky Rackard Cup
Fermanagh 1-12 Monaghan 5-12
Armagh 2-19 Donegal 3-13
Tyrone 0-17 Mayo 4-19
Fingal 3-21 Longford 3-15
Lory Meagher Cup
Louth 0-22 Sligo 1-15
Warwickshire 3-19 Leitrim 1-15
