Fresh from their run to the All-Ireland Intermediate final, Tommie Larkins marked the club's reappearance in the senior grade with a four-point win over Clarinbridge in Loughrea, as the group stages of the Galway championship got under way at the weekend.

Depleted Clarinbridge hit a string of wides in a disappointing showing as Raymond Dervan excelled for Larkins.

The other fixture in the Loughrea double-header saw Beagh get their campaign off to a solid start with a five point win over Padraig Pearces. Joe Gantley fired the Beagh goal.

There was a shock in Ballinasloe on Sunday, where St. Thomas edged out 2006 champs Loughrea by a point – goals from Bernard Burke and Gerald Murray proving pivotal.

In the other game in Group D, Ardrahan left it late to nose ahead for the first time against Mullagh, with Gerry Hennnelly converting a late '65 to snatch both points. Conor Dervan had a fine hour for Mullagh.

In Athenry, Niall Healy helped himself to 1-11 of his side's 1-13, as Craughwell just held off the challenge of Liam Mellows, Healy's second-half goal ultimately proving the difference between the sides.

Gort joined them on top of Group A with a six-point win over Ballindereen.

Carmore and Kiltormer played out an exciting stalemate in Athenry on Saturday. A long Keith Kilkenny delivery drifted all the way to the net for Carnmore's goal, while Donal Fox replied for Kiltormer.

With All-Ireland champions Portumna not involved until next weekend, the other four sides in Group B are locked on a single point, after Sarsfields and Turloughmore also drew their Athenry clash.

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