BOTH Maigh Cuilinn and Maree got off the mark in the Men’s Super League with a pair of home wins over Kerry opposition on the second weekend of the new season.

The women’s Super League season began a week earlier, and University of Galway Mystics are still waiting for their first win, having suffered a third consecutive defeat at the weekend; while in the Men’s Division One, Titans are also waiting for a first win after Tolka Rovers proved too strong for them in Cappagh Park.

MEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

Maigh Cuilinn 83

Killorglin 79

A career-high 24 points from James Connaire inspired Maigh Cuilinn to a four-point win over Killorglin in the UG Sports Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Connaire, who missed a chunk of last season through injury, connected on all five of his 3-point attempts throughout the contest, one which Maigh Cuilinn never trailed in and, although made to sweat somewhat at the end, held on for a deserved win.

While the welcome scoring outburst from Connaire was certainly the talking point on the day, a resolute and combined team effort on defence from Maigh Cuilinn, against what is a formidable Killorglin attacking line-up, was equally important in securing the victory.

Save for the almost unstoppable Robert Alan Kelly Jr, who poured in 34 points for the Kerry outfit, Maigh Cuilinn kept good tabs on the other dangermen for Killorglin and in particular Lovre Tvdic, who scored only 10 points a week after netting 24 against UCC Demons.

The win was all the more impressive for Maigh Cuilinn given that usual star man Grant Olsson was sidelined for the majority of the game with foul trouble and as such, only contributed eight points.

Maigh Cuilinn jumped out of the blocks early and had a 28 point to 17 lead after the first quarter and still had a healthy 44 to 37 advantage at the half. It was somewhat nip and tuck closer to the endgame, Killorglin tying proceedings twice but it was always Maigh Cuilinn in control and appropriately, it was Connaire that sealed the win with the last free throws of the game.

Pictured: John Burke who came off the bench to hit five points for Maree against Tralee Warriors in the Men’s Super League on Saturday.