Glen’s proud three-year undefeated run in the Derry Senior Football Championship was brought to an end by a fired-up Slaughtneil side.
In coming out on top by 1-11 to 0-11, Slaughtneil gave more than a hint that they are in the mood to sample again the sustained success that came their way prior to Glen knocking them off their perch.
Shane McGuigan landed their goal after his penalty had struck the post, and from then on, Slaughtneil were able to breathe a little easier, although Danny Tallon and Conleth McGuckin were to the fore for Glen.
Also in the Derry Championship, Bellaghy overcame Kilrea by 2-13 to 2-10, while O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt beat Steelstown by 0-11 to 0-03. Ruairi McElwee scored Bellaghy’s crucial second goal, while Charlie Diamond, Oran McElain, Damian Gallagher and Conleth McShane were to the fore.
Swatragh turned on the style in overcoming a struggling Dungiven side by 4-12 to 2-07, with a Patrick Kearney goal helping the winners to enjoy parity of esteem at half-time at 1-06 each. A Kevin Johnston goal temporarily boosted Dungiven, but Swatragh closed out comfortably.
Ballinascreen and Loup finished all square, with the ’Screen scoring 1-09 and Loup recording 0-12.
The Antrim Championship is also up and running, with a feast of scores marking the opening round of fixtures.
Cargin launched a goal blitz in overwhelming O’Donovan Rossa by 5-10 to 0-12, with Tom Shivers (2), James Laverty, Michael McCann and Conhuir Johnston grabbing their goals.
Lamh Dhearg, meanwhile, fired a constant salvo of points in getting the better of St Enda’s by 2-24 to 0-05. Marc Jordan and Pearse Fitzsimons cracked in their goals, while Paddy Cunningham with seven and Conor Murray with five accounted for half of their points.
And St John’s were also not found wanting in terms of scoring when they defeated Tir na nOg by 3-13 to 0-09, with Conor Adams, Ronan Quinn and Conor Hand registering their goals, while Darragh Fagan (four) and Aaron McNeilly (three) landed the lion’s share of the losers’ scores.
Dunloy got the better of Aldergrove by 2-11 to 1-07, while Roger Casements, Portglenone outshone St Mary’s, Ahoghill by 1-17 to 0-03. Mickey Smith and Seaan Elliott each landed a goal for Dunloy.
St Brigid’s managed to ease past St Gall’s by 1-13 to 1-10 having built up an impressive interval lead of 1-11 to 1-04, with Paddy Finnegan grabbing their goal.