Westmeath were full value for their five-point win over Limerick at Feenagh. However, Limerick, playing for the first time under new manager Liam Kearns, will be pleased with their performance. Indeed, they might well have been in front at the break, but a goal by Joe Fallon after 32 minutes had the visitors 1-5 to 0-6 in front. After 59 minutes only a point separated the sides, 1-8 to 0-10. However, late points by top scorer Des Dolan and John Cooney ensured a winning start for Westmeath.

LIMERICK: E Scollard; D Sheehy, B Begley, G O'Connor; P Ahearn, T McLoughlin, N Kelly; J Quane (0-1), M O'Doherty; S Ahern, D Ryan, M Culhane; C McSweeney, M Reidy (0-4), C Hickey (0-4). Subs: M Mu lvihill for Culhane, T Stack for Ahern.

WESTMEATH: E Lennon; D Brady, K McKinley, A Murray; D Healy, M Broder, A Coyne; D Gavin, P Conway; L Gillivan, J Cooney (0-4), S Deering (0-1); J Fallon (1-1), G Heavin, D Dolan (0-6). Subs:[B O] F Colley for Heavin, R Casey for Brady.

Referee: A Mangan (Kerry).