AIB League title holders Shannon began this season's campaign with a defeat (26-21) against St Mary's College at Templeville Road this afternoon. Mary's place kicker, Barry Lynn was in top form, landing six successful kicks from seven efforts. Last year's beaten finalists Cork Constitution recorded a 14-8 win over Galwegians in Crowley Park. Belfast Harlequins won the battle of the newcomers with an 8-6 win over UL Bohemians in Limerick. Co Carlow who narrowly avoided relegation last year, got off on the right foot with a 24-6 win over Terenure College in Oak Park and there also wins for Ballymena, Blackrock College, Buccaneers and Lansdowne.

Division One Results: Ballymena 21-5 Clontarf. Blackrock College 26-12 Dungannon. Co. Carlow 24-6 Terenure College. Galwegians 8-14 Cork Constitution. Garryowen 9-19 Buccaneers. St. Marys College 26-21 Shannon. UCD 20-29 Lansdowne. U.L. Bohemian 6-8 Belfast Harlequins.