Burren and An Riocht progress

James McCartan helped Burren defeat Loughinisland

Burren and An Riocht came through the opening matches in the Harp Lager Down Football Championship on Thursday evening.

Former All-Ireland Champions Burren defeated Loughinisland 0-20 to 2-10 while An Riocht claimed a 0-15 to 0-9 win over Attical.

Paddy Bradley, an injury doubt before the game, showed little sign of any problem as he hit six points for Burren.

Ex-Down star Gary Mason notched eight points for Loughinisland.

The key period of the match was nine unanswered Burren scores in the second half which turned a two-point deficit into a comfortable advantage.

Dan Gordon hit both Loughinisland's goals, including a late consolation effort, while Burren had PJ McAlinden sent off in the closing stages.

Tyrone double-header

Meanwhile, Sean Paul Smyth's seven points laid the foundations for An Riocht's win over Attical.

Meanwhile, the Down championship continues on Friday evening while there are also two games in the Coca Cola Tyrone Football Championship.

In Down, Downpatrick take on Bryansford at Ballykinlar while there is a Tyrone double-header at Pomeroy with Donaghmore meeting Galbally and Ardboe taking on Killyclogher.

Downpatrick will include the Deegan brothers Gerard and Gregory plus Karl Oakes and Kyran Smyth.

Bryansford's big game players are Brian Burns, Shane King and Simon Gribben.

Donaghmore are managed by former Errigal Ciaran boss Paudge Quinn.