Offaly began life in Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League with a nervy 0-26 to 1-21 victory over Meath in Birr.
Michael Fennelly's side led by eight points early in the second half but were forced to withstand a late rally as Meath threatened an upset.
A Padraig O’Hanrahan goal on 41 minutes gave Meath hope and they were denied a second entering the final quarter, Offaly goalkeeper James Dempsey making a fine save.
The Royals outscored Offaly by 0-05 to 0-01 late on and trailed by just a point in injury time, but a late free from Eoghan Cahill helped the hosts over the line.
Antrim produced a powerful second-half performance to defeat Wicklow in Arklow. The Saffrons led by the minimum at the break – 0-08 to 0-07 – but found their range after the restart to claim a 0-20 to 0-11 success.
Richie Mullan’s eighth-minute goal proved the difference as Derry defeated Down by 1-19 to 0-19 in Division 2B.
It was a more routine outing for Kildare, though, first-half goals from Jack Sheridan and Brian Byrne putting them on course for victory against London in Newbridge.
In Division 3A, Armagh finished strongly to defeat Donegal in Letterkenny, Ryan Gaffney’s 50th-minute goal swinging the game in their favour. Tyrone had five points to spare away to Louth while Longford were 2-16 to 0-18 winners over Monaghan in Inniskeen.
The only game in Division 3B saw Fermanagh edge neighbours Leitrim thanks to two quick-fire goals from debutant Tom Keenan.
