By Seamus Hayes

The race for the Clare Champion Cup, senior hurling league, together with the Division 2, 3 and 4 hurling leagues got underway at the weekend.

Division 1 A produced two draws with holders Newmarket sharing twenty six points with Crusheen while Inagh-Kilnamona and Clooney-Quin each scored 1-10 in their meeting at Kilnamona.

Clarecastle had two points to spare (1-17 to 2-12) over county champions Sixmilebridge while O’Callaghans Mills scored three second half goals on their way to a 3-15 to 0-17 victory over Tubber.

In a game which produced some impressive scores, Cratloe were 2-18 to 1-16 winners over Eire Og at the Ennis club’s grounds on Sunday.

In division 1 B, Clonlara were easy winners over a Ballyea side that lined out without a number of key players including Tony Kelly and Jack Browne. the final score in this one was 1-21 to 1-3 and there was good news for the Clare senior hurling management as Darach Honan returned after injury .

Broadford had a goal to spare over St. Josephs (2-12 to 1-12) while Feakle also made a winning start with a 1-15 to 0-12 win over Ruan.

Two clubs that have won county senior championship titles in the past decade, Kilmaley and Wolfe Tones, find themselves competing in division 2. Both had easy wins as they began their drive to return to the top division. Kilmaley were 4-15 to 0-4 winners over Ennistymon while Wolfe Tones were 2-17 to 0-4 winners over Crusheen. A late goal helped Parteen to a 1-13 to 0-14 win over Cratloe while Inagh-Kilnamona defeated Corofin, 3-12 to 1-10