WOMEN'S FOOTBALL:REIGNING CHAMPIONS Cork opened the defence of their Bord Gáis Energy Women's National Football League crown with a 2-12 to 0-4 victory against Kildare yesterday.

Valerie Mulcahy and Mary O’Connor supplied the first-half goals and, while Kildare made more of a game of it in the second half, there was no stopping the champions.

Elsewhere, last year’s beaten finalists Kerry earned a hard-fought 2-6 to 1-6 victory against hosts Armagh at Killeavey.

Armagh led by 0-5 to 0-4 at half-time, but goals from Linda Cronin and Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh turned the game in favour of the Kingdom.

Kelly Mallon brought Armagh back into the game with a goal but Kerry held on for the win.

Meanwhile, Galway were defeated 1-9 to 1-6 by Clare in Killanin. The game was heading for a draw before Louise Henchy scored a decisive late goal.