Fermanagh and Sligo were victorious in the opening round of the 2015 Lory Meagher Cup Hurling competition today.
In the early afternoon throw-in, Fermanagh led throughout as they claimed a 3-12 to 2-07 win over Warwickshire at Brewster Park, Enniskillen.
In a week where the Erne County saw the sad passing of their team-mate Shane Mulholland, Sean Duffy’s charges delivered an impressive display on the way to an eight-point win.
Fermanagh powered to a 1-06 to 0-00 lead after 17 minutes, with JP McGarry (1-00) netting their goal.
John Duffy (0-05) was also solid throughout for the hosts, in a game where Warwickshire only opened their account after 24 minutes, with David Millea (2-00) netting the first of their two goals.
Fermanagh took a 2-09 to 2-03 interval lead, Ciaran Corrigan (2-01) scoring their second goal, before Millea bagged the visitors' second three-pointer.
However, Fermanagh were always on top, with Corrigan completing their hat-trick to ensure a 3-12 to 2-06 advantage, before Warwickshire were reduced to 14 men late on after Shane Conlan picked up a second yellow card.
In Ballinamore, two second half goals set Sligo on their way to a 4-16 to 2-12 win over Leitrim.
Little separated the sides in the opening half, but goals from Peadar Leonard and Ciaran Brennan paved the way for a 10-point win.
Sligo began brightly and took an early 0-04 to 0-02 lead, but Leitrim moved 1-04 to 0-06 in front following a goal from Zemnako Moradi.
Brennan’s first goal for the visitors tied the game after 30 minutes before Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch quickly added a second to put Sligo 2-06 to 1-06 ahead.
However, the sides were tied at the break after Karl McDermott found the back of the net.
Sligo edged a one-point lead within 10 minutes of the restart, before Leonard’s goal provided the platform for victory.
Leitrim had no answer and Brennan sealed the win late on.
