And they're up and running!

The SFC and IFC got underway this weekend with plenty of action, some surprises and all in all a fascinating start to both Championships.

In the IFC Clonmore had a big win over Palatine, Ballinabranna easily beat Ballon who were senior last year but who lost a number of players to emigration; St Andrews had it all their own way against Naomh Moling. Leighlinbridge had an impressive win over Rathvilly while Eire Og were much too strong for Grange. Asca pushed the Cocks all the way in their clash.

The SFC opened with a facile win for Eire Og over St Patricks on Friday evening. Palatine had too much over Mt Leinster Rangers while O Hanrahans almost pulled another opening round shocks they pushed Rathvilly all the way, only losing to an injury time point.

Tinryland had to dig deep to take a gutsy and impressive Kilbride while County Champions Old Leighlin blitzed a shell shocked Kildavin-Clonegal. Game of the weekend though was in McGrath Park where Fenagh and Naomh Eoin played out a classic encounter - as good a game as we are likely to see in the SFC this year. It was hard to separate these neighbours but Fenagh showed they are far from finished with a hugely impressive display against a Myshall side that will give all the teams in their group plenty to worry about.

It sets the scene nicely for round two next week. In Group A Fenagh and O Hanrahans do battle as do resurgent Palatine and Naomh Eoin and Rathvilly and Mt Leinster Rangers. In Group B  big winners Old Leighlin and Eire Og will clash, as will rivals Kildavin and Kilbride and Tinryland and St Patricks.

Lots to look forward to for the 12 clubs involved.