Today the 2022 Leinster GAA O’Byrne Cup got underway. Round 1 kicked off with 4 games down for decision.

Kildare 0-19 Westmeath 0-8

The early throw in saw Kildare and Westmeath clash in Newbridge at 1pm. The new management team under Glenn Ryan will be only too happy with how the Lilywhites faired. In the end they had 11 points to spare over the midlanders. Debutant Paddy Woodgate was undoubtedly the highlight kicking 6 points in total and looking sharp throughout. For the Westmeath it will be very much a case of onto the next as they struggled to ever really get going, despite the efforts of Luke Loughlin and a few others.

Dublin 2-12 Offaly 0-13

Dublin made their maiden venture in this calendar year with a trip to Tullamore. An experimental side just came out on top against a good Offaly side. Experience was key in the end with Ciarán Kilenny and Niall Scully in particular taking control in the closing stages. A late goal from substitute Warren Egan gave the capital side a cushion from which they never looked like losing. John Maughan and Offaly will surely take confidence from the game, some spurned goal chances in the first half alongside a blooding of new talent leave a positive look on the Faithful mens day.

Longford 2-13 Louth 0-14

Arguably the game of the afternoon was the meeting of Longford and Louth in Ballymahon. Mickey Hartes side looked the winners all over dominating the opening half to take a 7 point lead into the break. However, the home side making their first start under new manager Billy O’Loughlin regrouped and looked a different side in the second half. Goals from Dylan Farrell and Ross McInerney in the midst of an 8 point scoring spree was enough to cement their come back and send them on their way. The finished up running the victors by 5 points managing to keep the visitors to just two scores in the second half.

Wexford 6-10 Laois 0-13

The final game saw Wexford play host to Laois in Hollymount. Shane Roche’s charges could not have hoped for a better start to the year. They rattled off 6 goals on their way to a facile victory over the O’Moore side. An extremely inexperienced Laois side, which included 11 players who have yet to play championship football, never got to the grips with the game and must now simply look ahead to Round 2 and leave today behind them. For Wexford it will surely go a long way towards building the confidence of an ever improving side. Next up for the Model County is a meeting with Meath.